Leticia Ana

I am alive.

2012-01-15T13:16:00.002-06:00

I know I only have about 2-3 readers on here, but I figured I'd let you know that I am definitely alive and well! Happy 2012, friends! I rounded off the year by spending 20 days in Texas with my family and friends. It was a much needed break from NYC, but by the end I was literally jumping up and down to come back home to New York City. A year and a half ago I would have never thought that I'd be so eager to come back here, but I can say that it truly does feel like my new home, for now, and for however long the Lord wants me to live here. I love my apartment and my roommates, and every day when I walk out of my apartment I am just so happy. I'm really excited for this coming year. Last year was good, but it had it's true challenges. I was really ready for 2012 to be here.

A few things I'm looking forward to:

1. Welcoming Baby Fairley to the world in February! Yay Candace and Freeman :)
2. Welcoming Little R to Austin Texas this Spring sometime (praying so!) Hooray Mandy and Leighton!
3. Running 13.1 miles through the streets of DC with Jaclyn and Morgan!
4. Many more foodie adventures with my new friend, Lauren, who writes a FANTASTIC blog at: http://here2eat.blogspot.com/
5. Running 13.1 miles for FREE in Central Park for the More/Fitness Half Marathon in April. I won it via twitter. I really LOVE social media.
6. Seeing two of my high school friends say 'I Do' in June in Texas. I'm in the wedding and I'm already really looking forward to that weekend so much. It's going to be epic.
7. RUNNING THE NEW YORK CITY MARATHON WITH TEAM WORLD VISION. 26.2 miles. Boom.

Of course there are others, but for now that's most important. Life is good and the Lord is great.

Over and out.

Friends Forever.

2011-12-01T21:51:00.002-06:00

Truth be told, the girl in the above photo is truly one of my favorite people on the face of the planet. We have been friends since the first month of freshmen year of college. This girl makes me laugh more than most people ever will and I am so thankful for the past 9 years of friendship. We are highly inappropriate, make crude jokes, and cuss to be funny all the time. If people ever read our text messages they might question our salvation. Luckily I'm a Calvinist ;)

In July she moved to DC, which made me SO happy! She took me to the White House when I went to visit her in October, and we saw Obama... (not really) but we did drink some Shiner beer, ate good food, and had lots of laughs. She's coming to see me this weekend and I'm stoked.

My life is richly blessed with great people. Boom.

Two years in the books.

2011-10-19T09:06:00.000-05:00

I started my journey of a lifetime commitment to health and fitness TWO years ago today. To date I've lost 90+ pounds and I truly can't believe the progress I have made. It's been unbelievable. I've been committed, I've worked really really hard, and at the end of the day I don't make any excuses for myself. One good friend told me last night "You were hiding behind your body for so long, but now you are truly who you were made to be." I am thankful. I am worth it and that's why I fight for this every single day.

This also marks about 16 months of being in 'maintenance' which experts say maintenance is just as hard as the actually losing process. It's been a year of adjustment since I moved across the country, but God gives me the strength and energy to keep pursuing this life. I LOVE it. And I can't complain that I get to spin next to celebrities at SoulCycle or run through the trails of Central Park. I've also learned that this whole health/fitness life is a lot about balance. I don't work out twice a day anymore or log in every single calorie I intake, but I try to maintain a good balance in all aspects to not go overboard, but to still enjoy my life.

I have THREE goals over the next 12 months:

1. Continue to maintain my weight-loss by eating healthy foods and exercising 4-5 times a week.
2. Get stronger/leaner
3. Train and complete a FULL Marathon. (26.2 miles: I'm coming AFTER you)

Thanks for the support the past 24 months, friends. Love you all.

I ran a Half Marathon. #NBD

2011-10-14T15:18:00.003-05:00

About a month ago, my friend Morgan and I ran the Philly Half Marathon. Although I had trained with one of my FAVORITE people ever, Sara aka Rooms, she had to fly to Texas to be with her family and was unable to run with me. Luckily I wasn't left alone and Morgan came to support and run with me! Yay!

Earlier this summer I decided I wanted to train for a half marathon because I was beginning to get bored with my workouts. I had two goals. A) Run the whole time B) Finish under 2:30. I smashed both of those goals. My next goal is to finish in under 2 hrs. I attest my performance solely to my dedication to my training plan. When I do something I'm either all in or not. Boom.

I'm a Texan, and FULL of Texas pride. I'm fully in the zone here. Love it!

Over and out. See ya next month! :)

Good morning!

2011-09-14T07:49:00.002-05:00

I never thought I'd be one of those girls who wakes up before 6 am to get in a good run, but maybe I need to come to terms with the fact that I am indeed becoming one of those girls. And with a view like this, I don't plan to stop anytime soon.

When I was running and saw the sunrise I couldn't help but to remind myself that His mercies are new every morning. What a gift we've been given each day. The Lord is so good to me.

Brownwood Besties.

2011-08-15T17:06:00.002-05:00

I've known these ladies since I was in the 6th Grade! We've been great friends since then and I'm so thankful for friends from my hometown. We've been through so much together and though we don't see each other that often, it is ALWAYS so good when we do. We were together for a weekend back in July to celebrate Hillary's (in the middle) new little bundle of joy that will join us in October! Yay! Friends forever!

"Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other gold."

Blue Bell.

2011-08-10T22:35:00.001-05:00

I found a bakery in the East Village that not only sells Blue Bell Ice Cream, but GIVES IT AWAY FOR FREE with your Texas ID.

I win.

We were pumped. The end.

Fan Four.

2011-08-02T21:18:00.000-05:00

There is really NOTHING BETTER than: Best friends, Texas, and Hula Hut.

Already miss them.

Luckily one moves to the City in less than week!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Free to live.

2011-07-23T09:12:00.001-05:00

You don't have to live forever, you just have to live.
Thankful that I have the freedom to live in Christ each day.

Making new friends...

2011-06-05T21:35:00.001-05:00

.... No Big deal.

Dear Blog: I have not forgotten you. I will write and share a funny story soon. I promise.

Love,

Leti

The EGYPT girls.

2011-04-01T17:12:00.004-05:00

.... Reunited and it feels SOOOOOO good! So another reason I went to Texas a couple of weeks ago was to see one of my dearest friends, Cara, get married to her long-time love, Erik! It was a beautiful wedding and I'm so thankful to have gotten to be there to see Cara and the rest of the girls from my amazing team. We've been friends since October of 2008 and have remained good friends since. It's not often that a group of women this diverse just hit it off the way we did, but it's only something that God could have done. These women have blessed my life in more ways that I can begin to recount. I love each of them deeply. Skipper (on the far right) said, "It just feels like home when we are together." I couldn't agree more. Love these girls!

Myself with Cara's pretty little sisters! Such awesome girls.

The stars at night are big and bright...

2011-04-01T17:02:00.004-05:00

DEEP IN THE HEART OF TEXAS!

Reasons I love TEXAS!

The four ladies in the picture above.
My family is there.
I don't have to wear tights, and I can wear dresses as seen above.
Texas BBQ/ Tex-Mex
The awesome weather
The southern hospitality
I get to drive everywhere!
And the list goes on and on...

Miami.

2011-03-29T21:58:00.006-05:00

The first weekend of March was upon us and Sara and I decided to jet set to Miami for the weekend. NO BIG DEAL. Before any of you begin to roll your eyes (admit you want to) this was our 'reward' to ourselves for successfully making it through our first winter in the Northeast. Let me tell you, it was NOT easy. In fact it's not really even officially over as Mr. Snow decided to make an appearance (uninvited) last week again. The snow is also on the forecast for this Friday. When will the temperatures be steadily above 50 degrees? One can only hope it's soon or I'm going to go crazy and my next weekend getaway might be to Aruba or something of the like.... stop judging me! But seriously this trip was SO much fun and just what my little soul needed after the craziness I endure everyday in NYC. We had no agenda, but instead just relaxed, tanned (or I did at least ;) ) , ate good food, and enjoyed being away! I love this girl so much and we typically have a good time no matter where we are! This trip was a huge blessing for sure.

The ABC game!

2011-02-26T12:13:00.005-06:00

I read a ton of food/health/weightloss/healthy eating blogs and all of them seem to be playing the ABC Game. I thought I'd join! Enjoy knowing random facts about me :)

A. Age: 27. Really? How did I get to be in my late twenties? When did this happen? How can I make it stop?

B. Bed size: Full, but I'll soon be downgrading to a twin when I share a room, with Rooms!

C. Chore you hate: Putting away laundry. It's always been a pet peeve of mine. When I was younger (and also when I was in college) my mom washed/folded my clothes for me. Today I have a laundry lady (stop rolling your eyes) and she too washes and folds my clothes, but I just HATE putting them away! Don't judge.

D. Dogs: They are great. I miss my Colty Wolty!

E. Essential start to your day: Breakfast, and a prayer to get me through another CRAAZY day in NYC.

F. Favorite color: Burnt Orange, Red, and Purple... ok that was three. Sorry!

G. Gold or silver: Mostly silver, although I've been wearing a new ring that's gold and has the Lord's prayer on it. My silver rings are all too big for my fingers right now. Boo!

H. Height: 5’8

I. Instruments you play: Zero. I have zero musical talents.

J. Job title: Admissions Associate and Full Time Student. I have two titles. I'm not special.

K. Kids: They are cute. Do I want any? Not currently!

L. Live: New York! Duh. With one of the greatest gals I've ever met. Ever!

M. Mom’s name: Amelia.

N. Nicknames: Leti, Tish, and a million other names that people randomly make up for me.

O. Overnight hospital stays: One, as a child.

P. Pet peeve: People who don't call me back/email me back/ text message me back.

Q. Quote from a movie: "I'm in love, I'm in love, and I don't care who knows it."- Buddy The Elf

R. Right or left handed: Right.

S. Siblings: Youngest of 8. Yes, 8. 5 sister and 2 brothers. Love the fam!

T. Time you wake up: 8-9am, depending on the day. Yup, I get to sleep pretty late for being a 'adult'. What does that even mean?

U. Underwear: Umm.. what?

V. Vegetables you dislike: Mushrooms and lima beans. Sickkkkk

W. What makes you run late: The stupid train. I HATE being late to places, so I always leave early but sometimes MTA likes to ruin my life.

X. X-Rays you’ve had: Teeth.

Y. Yummy food you make: I'm not much of a chef but I've been toying around with more recipes lately. This week I made a chicken pot pie and a peanut butter pie. Yes, it was a pie themed night. My roommate ate them with no complaints so I'll put those in the 'Win' column for now.

Z. Zoo- favorite animal: Elephant, Lion, zebra... why can't I just have one favorite? I dont know.

Happy Saturday, folks!

Stamp of Approval

2011-02-01T18:15:00.004-06:00

It's been a while since I've done some stamps of approval (Melinda's recent post inspired me!)

Up first,

I'll admit- I was a little afraid of this cereal upon my purchase. Fiber twigs? Eww. But alas after eating it the past week I've started to LOVE it! It's perfect because it's cereal (my favorite) and it makes you super full. A big plus! One cup of this, one small banana, and a cup of unsweetened vanilla almond (silk) milk is 235 calories combined. Ummm hi awesome breakfast!

Up next is my newest (and by new I mean super new because I just had this for the first time tonight) is spaghetti squash! You just puncture it a few times and put it in a dish, bake for 1 hours, scoop out the seeds, then with a fork take out the spaghetti 'noodles'. I topped it with 1/2 cup of Organic spaghetti sauce and it was the BEST DINNER EVER! OMG. One cup of this stuff is like 45 calories. It's like your eating a big bowl of pasta without the carbs! WIN!
Last, but certainly not least, is my new favorite wine (don't worry Resiling I still like you too), Lambrusco! I had NEVER enjoyed any sort of Red wine until my Rooms introduced this goodness to me on my birthday. Needless to say we've polished off a few ~~couple~~ bottles since. Whoops :) I love our wine and chats at night. We are so fun!

That's all I've got for today.

Over and out.

Garrett Hedlund sings "Chances Are" from COUNTRY STRONG

2011-01-30T14:55:00.000-06:00

After our dinner we went to see Country Strong to remember our roots :) Needless to say it was AWESOME and Garrett Hedlund was super dreamy. I love the city and kinda consider myself a city gal, but a guy who can rock a cowboy hat and sing is pretty awesome :)

Roommate Night! Go big or Home!

2011-01-30T14:48:00.006-06:00

Our free dessert! :)

Rooms was a big fan of these!

My favorite, roommate!

Ridiculous!

Pre-dinner drink at the bar, don't mind if I DO!

I mean we live in the greatest city in the US... so naturally we went out BIG last night. Because we never do that.... no really we don't ever go this fancy. But it was SO MUCH FUN!

We were wined and dined at Primehouse Steakhouse on Park Avenue! It was amazing. My friend, Ema, is a pastry chef there, and another friend is a bartender. Needless to say knowing 'people' definitely has it's perks in a swanky place like this! Trust me :) If you are ever in NYC, I highly recommend this place. Awesome food, and atmosphere! Cheers!

Motivation.

2011-01-26T21:14:00.004-06:00

One of my best friends, Camille, sent me an email with pictures in October to remind me of how far I've come.

I don't know that person in the top picture anymore. It's so bizarre to me. I spent a good amount of time tonight reflecting and looking at old pictures of who I use to be.

Never going back. NEVER. Keep on keeping on: Every single day!

" Believe in yourself, trust the process, change forever. "- Bob Harper

The family!

2011-01-24T18:44:00.001-06:00

Here are 7 of 8 of us. We're awesome. The end.

Dinner of Champs!

2011-01-24T18:31:00.003-06:00

In an effort to get back on the healthy wagon (I had fallen slightly off for a while) I began counting calories again today! I feel most in sync with my health when I know exactly what I'm putting into my body. It just feels good to eat good food, and not crap food full of sugar! I can typically eat realatively healthy throughtout the day but the sweet treats and late night sugar fest were getting OUT OF HAND! I put an end to that today.

Here's the game plan:
1. Counting Calories
2. Hitting the gym/exercise hard
3. Eating clean/whole foods
4. NO sweet treats till Spring Break (or later...)

As Bob says on Biggest Loser: 'STAND UP AND FINISH WHAT YOU STARTED!"

I really really want to lose 10 pounds and hit my goal of losing 100 pounds by the summer. I can do it!And I also welcomed backed JILLIAN into my life. I have missed you protein shakes. I really have!

Happy healthy eating! Let's GO!

Rooms!

2011-01-12T14:56:00.003-06:00

The only bad thing about being gone from The Empire State for 3 and half weeks was not getting to see my awesome ROOMS, Sara! Words on this little computer screen can't articulate how much of a blessing this girl is in my life. There is no one I'd rather be doing life with on a daily basis right now, as she is just so much fun! In a couple of months we are going to have the privilege to share a room! haha! Earlier on my blog I had mentioned that I'd only be living here until Sara's actual roommate, Janell, moved to NY. Well in December we both decided that me moving was a terrible idea and therefore decided to share a room! YAY!!!

Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when He made us friends. So thankful.

Reasons why she is awesome:
1. We are the SAME (yes i'm awesome too). We say the same things, like the same foods, finish each others sentences, etc. Sometimes it's a little scary/weird how alike we are.
2. She's from Texas and therefore shares my same love for the Great State. We both miss queso, good mexican food, and Tiff's treats!
3. She makes me LAUGH so much everyday!
4. She's a great cook, baker, etc. (This is both good and bad for me!)
5. She's selfless and serves others and me so well. (Remember that time she's going to share a room with me and give her own space just for me?)
6. She loves me really really well! (this is different than #5)
7. She knows me so well already and we've only been friends for a few months.
8. She's a GREAT source of accountability and offers encouragement and prayers, without hesitation. This sort of community is SO rare to find. Why am I so lucky? I'll never know...
9. She loves Jesus and it's so evident!
10. She's just such a great friend. Hands down.

Love you Rooms. Thanks for putting up with my craziness! :)

Hook'em

2011-01-12T14:54:00.002-06:00

As you can clearly see I have ALWAYS been a horn fan. Hook'em Forever (despite the ridiculous, awful, long football season we had in 2010) Hopeful for 2011 and my fellow Brownwoodian, Jaxson Shipley to do some damage as a receiver!

GO HORNS!

Mexico!

2011-01-12T14:03:00.005-06:00

100 years old! Here's to hoping I have her good genes :)

They deemed this table, Las Guapas! haha! The cute girls.

One brother and one sister. Missing one brother and four sisters!

Mis Primas!

I went to Mexico over Christmas to visit my mom's family AND to celebrate my grandma's 100th Birthday! It was so great to spend time with all of my extended cousins and to relax, sleep, and eat good food :)

Birthday in Austin :)

2011-01-12T13:47:00.001-06:00

These are a few pics from my birthday party, Austin, Texas style! I love all of these people more than words and am so thankful for their faithful prayers and support for my move to The Big Apple. I truly don't know what I would without them. Love you all!

New York, New York!

2010-12-17T00:01:00.003-06:00

“Concrete jungle where dreams are made of, there’s nothing you can’t do! Now you’re in NewYork, these streets will make you feel brand new, these lights will inspire you, let’s hear it for New York, New York , New York! No place in the world that can compare!”

I almost don’t know where to start this blog post because I just have so many thoughts going through my head about the past three months of my life. I’m currently sitting on an American Airlines aircraft in route to Austin, Texas for Christmas break! I’m about to spend 3 and half weeks with my family and friends in the Great State... pumped! However, I remember so vividly the flight in August in route to NYC and how incredibly difficult that day was for me. I remember feeling scared, insecure in wondering if I had made the right choice to pick up and move half way across the country to pursue seminary, but mostly I think I felt fear of the unknown. Within the first week of me being here I had determined that I’d move back to Texas by Christmas. I honestly didn't think i was cut out for NYC. I kept reminding myself that if I could just last 3 months I could go back to Texas where everyone and everything that I loved was. I think about those thoughts and almost laugh because today I’m kinda sad that I’m going to miss out on 3 weeks in the City, and also miss my crazy/awesome/hilarious/encouraging/fun roomie, Sara! (check out her blog for some good laughs)

You see, I wasn’t running away from Texas. I had no good reason to leave. I had a good job, great friends, and a church that challenged me each week. Everything was so normal, but the spirit continued to convict me that for this new season I was to leave. This morning as my plane took off from LaGuardia I had the sweetest view of NYC, and all its glory of high rise buildings, central park, and the like. I couldn’t help but smile because despite the sadness I felt upon moving here today I can say that I love this place. Despite its craziness, I truly do love my life here, the sights, the good eats, the people, etc. But mostly I love that God has taught me more in this semester than probably ever in my life. When I reflect on this semester I can only attest to God moving MOUNTAINS in my heart about my feelings toward the city and this new season. For the first few weeks I truly hated it here, and yes I know that hate is a strong word but I’m just trying to be honest here. I hated everything: the people, the noise, the subways. I missed everything about Texas: my friends/family, my car, my normal life! All I wanted were things to be normal in my life and I was so far away from anything that was remotely normal or comfortable for that matter. In those first few weeks I cried (buckets) of tears and questioned God over and over as to why he would let me move across the country to feel this way. I’d talk to my best friends on the phone and deeply miss them. I remember they’d offer me words of advice and encouragement but in those days I couldn’t see past my wants and desires for my life. I was so selfish and I just wanted to go back to what was comfortable. You see, I didn’t want to trust because all I could see was that this journey was going to be hard and stretching. (Thanks, God.)

But as the days passed and I got over my fears, and just trusted God, He began to steadily change my heart. He gave me a peace that surpassed any fear I could have. He gave me the confidence that I was in His will. And to this day He gives me the grace to get through each long, busy, crazy day here. Lets be honest, NYC is a fabulous city. It’s a city that is so rich in culture and has so much to do and see. I’ve been able to connect with so many Texas friends who are passing through the city for various reasons. Just last week I saw three different good friends from Texas! God always blesses me with little tastes of home :)To say that i’m thankful for this season would be a gross understatement. I’m thankful that living in the City has taught me to trust that Jesus is who He says He is. I’ve learned that wherever I am, He is with me each step of my day and for that, I’m truly grateful. I’ve learned more about his great love for me than every before. He loves this sinful, broken woman so so so much!

Lots of people ask me what I’m going to do after seminary, where I see myself, etc. Right now I have no idea how to answer that question. For this season I’ll be in New York, and there is no where else I’d rather be on this kind of adventure with Jesus right by my side. He has taken such good care of me, and provided in ways that I can’t even begin to explain. I have, and will always be a Texas girl, but I can’t help but wonder that God has big things in store for my time on the East Coast. To Him be the glory all of my days. Jesus, you’re enough for me every day. Every single day, you are enough.

Day of Birthday!

2010-12-16T23:28:00.004-06:00

Yup, here's my second blog post about my birthday! A third one is coming as tonight I got to celebrate with my best friends in Austin. Go ahead and judge me, I honestly just use this as an excuse to get all my good friends together at once. Ha!

Anyway- the above pic is me and one of my very best friends from college, Camille! She and I were instant friends junior year and our friendship has been such a blessing in my life. If it weren't for Camille I would have never probably gone to the Dominican Republic, and my life would probably look so much different today! She is such a great friend, and I had really been wanting her to visit, so what better weekend than last weekend? :) It was such a joy to have an old friend in town to celebrate with a few new friends! I actually was pretty sick all weekend so having a friend in town who was completely content doing anything or nothing was so wonderful for me! Love you Cami, thanks for coming to visit!

The day started with me waking up to smell delicious blueberry and chocolate chip muffins waiting for me in the kitchen. My rooms had gotten up early just to make these for me! Dang, I love that girl! I know she loves her sleep so the fact that she got up early just for me reminds me how lucky I am to have to live with such a great gal!

Later, Camille and I headed into the City to eat some Dominican food! I hadn't had any since moving to City and I was determined to enjoy some rice/beans/maduros and some cafe con leche on my special day! haha! The rest of the day was spent out shopping in the freeeeezing cold weather!

That night I kept it pretty chill and just had dinner at a new burger place in Soho, called B&B (Burger and Barrell) with a few friends. Burgers and wine. Expensive, but delicious!

I had soooo many wall posts, texts, phone calls, and cards come in the mail that blew me away. I felt so loved and I can only thank God for giving me so many wonderful friends.

26 was a great year. 27, let's see if you can top it!

Shanna, Andrew, and my Rooms at dinner!

Happy 27th Birthday to me!

2010-12-14T00:02:00.003-06:00

If you know me at all you know how special my birthday is to me! For some reason it's always been a day that I LOVE and I can't quite relate to people who just don't get excited about their special day. Call me selfish, but I love it! My love language is words of affirmation and quality time and this was met by so many people on my day this year! My celebration started a couple of days early with the picture above. My dear friend, and old roommate, Laurin, was in town for the past couple of weeks for work. She had to leave on Thursday, the day before my birthday, so she decided we'd go out Wednesday to celebrate! We went to Primehouse Steakhouse on the corner of 27th/Park Avenue and it was fancy pants for sure! Laurin and I went to an awesome steakhouse last year, so we (or I) decided to keep the tradition alive with choosing this place. My friend Ema from my community group is the pastry chef here and that definitely swayed my decision a little :) The food was absolutely fantastic, and apparently knowing someone who works behind the scenes at a restaurant gives you top quality service. We were treated sooo well. NY Strip, brussel spouts, mac & cheese, and then that awesome dessert you see above... bananas foster! It's the same dessert we had last year at Perry's in Austin, so we decided again (for tradition purposes of course) to get another one here! However, because my friend is awesome Primehouse also sent out a baggie full of their famous DONUT holes, in which we also received three tiny tubes of goodness to inject in them... what?! Needless to say were sooo full after that meal that I only had a couple of donuts. Luckily I have a roommate who appreciates dessert so those babies did not go to waste!

I'm spoiled.

I'll post the official day of birthday post.... soon :)

PS: Am I really going to Texas in two days for 3 and half weeks? What?!

Christmas Tree on the subway? CHECK!

2010-12-07T23:05:00.003-06:00

Yes, it's true last week we were THOSE girls who took a Christmas tree on the Subway. In fact we were those girls who ran down the steps with it as the "L" was approaching, and since that train doesn't come often we had to catch it. Was the train packed? Yup. Did we care? Nope. Mind you this was after we made our friend Angie hold the tree inside of CVS as we went and picked up ornaments and lights.... don't judge us!

Sara had been talking for weeks about getting a Christmas tree. I honestly didn't think she was that serious. Last Thursday when she continued talking about it, I asked her if we should just get a fake one and the look she gave me summed up that she thought I was just plain crazy. So yes, last Thursday night we hailed the tree from the East Village all the way out to good ole G'Dale Queens. Sara was so excited as you can tell from the picture!

And I will admit.... it was kinda fun :)The finished product! Merry Christmas :)

Deep In The Heart Of Texas... Part II

2010-12-06T19:03:00.003-06:00

So I've been back in the City for a week now so I figure I should blog about my adventures from the Great State! I had been looking forward to this visit for quite some time now. Let's be honest, my BFFE Mandy and I had a 80 day countdown from the day I left to the day she'd pick me up at at the airport! I arrived to open arms and warm Tiff Treat's in her car. Do I have a great friend or what? I spent the next four days with my best friends in Austin. Catching up on life, getting pedicures, and eating lots of good Texas BBQ, Queso, and Mexican food. Don't judge me.
On Monday I headed home to Brownwood with my nephew who know is the owner of my old car, my precious red jetta! The jetta I bought all on my own, and signed 25 papers piece of paper for one afternoon. She is now in property of my college-sophomore-UT student- nephew. She was clean, and I think he takes good care of her. Remember that time I wrote a paragraph about my car? Whoops.
I spent from Monday- Sunday in Brownwood with the family! It was so nice to see them and to relax at my parents house. I love them and it was such a nice break away from the chaos of my life in the City! It was nice to get to places in under 10 minutes in a car. What a novel idea, right? On Friday I went to Abilene to watch the Mighty Brownwood Lions take down yet another team in their voyage to their 8th State Championship. These boys are good! Jaxson Shipley (who will be a Longhorn next year) is just plain ridiculous! Hopefully he can redeem next season for the Horns, because this season was just terrible... but that's a whole other story. Sunday my parents took me back to Austin, we enjoyed some Hula Hut, some mall shopping, and a course a trip to Target. We have our priorities, that's for sure. That night I spent the night with the Robles' at my old house! I love them, and miss them greatly. I was so happy to see 'my' dog Colt too! Hope was gracious enough to be willing to take me to the airport Monday morning at 4am to catch m 6am flight back to NYC. Remember when I thought that a six am flight was a good idea? yeah, me either.

Sunday night we went to church at the Stone. While I was a church the Lord spoke to me to great depths. The sermon was amazing (The Story of Redemption, all scriputre, all memorized by Ronnie Smith... truly incredible!). But more than the sermon the Lord reminded me of his great grace for my life. He reminded me that His will is more perfect for my life than mine will ever be. He reminded me that what is going on in Austin, with my friends, with my church, with that city are all GOOD things, but in this season I'm not supposed to be a part of them. Being able to articulate that is so refreshing to me after only being in NYC for about 3 months now. I can say that I'm happy, and mean it. I can say that despite my life being pretty nutzo most days, God provides me a peace that sustains me during the craziness. God called me to be here for now, and He has provided in ways that I don't even understand. I have great friends, I'm in seminary studying and learning so much, a great church, and I'm being stretched in more ways than ever before. I'm thankful and I trust Him every single day. Texas will ALWAYS be home, but I'm really starting to love NYC.

Over and out.

Deep In The Heart Of Texas...

2010-11-14T23:12:00.001-06:00

This cracks me up...

THREE DAYS STAND BETWEEN ME AND THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS!

Don't get me wrong, I heart NYC and have really loved this season of life. But this girl needs a RECHARGE in the Great State. Can't wait to see my friends/family, sleep in my awesome bed, and eat some Tex-Mex, BBQ, and Blue Dahlia Bistro.

TEXAS TEXAS YEE-HAW! :)

Starbucks... I love you :)

2010-11-03T22:36:00.003-05:00

I've had a love/hate relationship with Starbucks for the past however many years, but I think I'm going to admit that we are in love now that I live in New York. Drinking coffee in the city that never sleeps is just standard. I can't help it! I DON'T need coffee everyday, and typically don't get it everyday, but when it's cold in the mornings sometimes just the thought of a sip of coffee makes me smile :) (no eye rolling over there... yes, you)

Starbucks red cups are out and in full swing for the upcoming Christmas holidays! I feel most New Yorker-ish when I'm in a hurry (this is always) and run into Starbucks for some coffee in the mornings! I've definitely got my favorite store on Broadway right down the street from work. Before I know it the baristas are really going to know my name. They've started to spell it right... baby steps, baby steps people!

This morning I was feeling SUPER sluggish, even after 8 full hours of sleep, and decided to put my big girl pants on and get a VENTI BOLD Coffee. I've gone from my latte days to now just straight up Bold.

I'm growing up, people. It just took 26 years and 11 months and move to The Big Apple. Who knew?

Goodnight!

Friends.

2010-10-28T21:29:00.006-05:00

For some reason (grace!) God has uniquely blessed me with some incredible people in my life. I left Austin knowing I had an army of friends praying for me and loving me despite living thousands of miles away. The encouragement that I receive from my friends from home is not something that will ever go unnoticed. I am loved so so well!

My lack of community the first week (or two) of being in the City was KILLING my soul! Jesus is enough, but He also made us for community. He made us to connect with people, and to live in community amongst other believers. So after my fervant prayers, God has provided people in my life who love Jesus and who love me. I could not be more thankful.

Meet, Julianne Grace Park:
I wish that I could accurately describe what this girl means to me, but there just aren't words. Have you ever met a friend and instantly you just connect as if you've know each other forever? I guess that's the best way to describe our friendship. Julianne and I met the Apostles Women's Retreat about a month and a half ago and I thank God each day for this girl! She has stepped into my life and been my community, a great confidant, encourager, and just an overall outstanding friend. She brings a lot of joy and adventure to my life. She helps me think outside the box of living such an ordinary life. I love how passionate she is about so much. Julianne is an opera singer (and a very good one I might add) and grew up on a farm in Washington. Could we be any more different? Probably not. But our common ground is Jesus, and we always tell each other that Jesus knew exactly what He was doing when He made us friends. We laugh together... a lot. We run together. We eat cookies together. We are honest with each other. We challenge each other. This girl is amazing, and I can't thank the Lord enough for bringing such a stellar friend to my life. I love her so stinkin much!

Just to show how much trust I have in her, this past Tuesday I let her CUT my hair. I mentioned earlier that Julianne is an opera singer... not a hair stylist. But again, I trust her :)

Here is the finished product! I think she did a great job!

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13

New York Update

2010-10-28T21:03:00.005-05:00

Hey friends! I'm sorry this blog has been uber lame. I had big intentions to keep it up to date with pictures and stories, but alas life happens! Life in the city is good yet very busy. Seminary is in full swing right now and last week was HARD! 3 papers and a midterm. Also I continue to love my job as an Admissions Assistant in the Graduate Admissions Office. Love my new church and my new community group! I am loving all the fun things, good food, and the cool places to go in the city! New York city is one really really awesome city. I am thankful for this season of my life. While not everyday has been easy, today almost two months in, I can say that I am so thankful to be here! Do I know how long I'll be here? Nope. But I know this is where I'm supposed to be for now. That peace is what sustains me, and that peace is what gets me through each day!

Here are a few pics from the past couple of months:

This is my ROOMS!!!! I love her. She is super! Truly a gem of a friend, and roomie. We get along great, are both from Texas, and have so much fun together. I am beyond thankful for God providing her. Sadly, it's only temporary as her permanent roomie is moving to the City in January. Sad day. Trusting that God will provide another great roomie and another great situation. Love this girl!

Brynn came to visit last weekend! We went everywhere in the city! I totally wore her out, but I wanted her to be able to see everything! I think she enjoyed herself and I didn't mind showing her around! Brynn has been my BFF since 8th grade and I'm so thankful that she was able to come and see a glimpse of what my life is like here in NYC!

This was us right before walking across the Brooklyn Bridge! I will admit that this was probably my FAVORITE thing we did. It was a beautiful day. So chill, so fun, and such an awesome view of the city!

In three weeks from today I'll call for a car, head to LGA, and hop on an American Airlines airplane headed back to Austin, Texas. I'll be in the Great State for 11 days. Can't wait! :)

Happy Almost Halloween! All is well in the Empire State. Over and out.

One year.

2010-10-19T07:03:00.013-05:00

10.19.09 - 10.19.10

"Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body," I Corinthians 6:19-20

One year ago today was the day that I began a life long journey of living a healthy lifestyle. A year ago today I set out on a journey to lose weight to gain back control of my life. I knew that this year would be a year of challenges, successes, and most of all a lot of hard work. A year ago today I never dreamed of being where I am today. I remember thinking how much work this was going to be and being fearful that reaching my goals might not ever happen. I remember feeling like I was standing at the bottom of a mountain and looking up at the top to realize I had to climb SO high. Despite these fears, and despite how far this journey seemed I remembered telling myself that I was worth it. My life and the body that God had blessed me with was worth it.

A few before pics:

This morning when I stepped on the scale, I can say that I am 95 pounds lighter than the person I was just one year ago. I'm not necessarily proud of the fact that I needed to lose that much, but I'm proud of the fact that I actually did it! The number on the scale won't ever define me, but living a healthy lifestyle for the rest of my life was my overall goal and I think I've reached it! They say that hard work always pays off in the end, and I can honestly say that I know that to be true in my own life.

Many people have asked along the way how I did it and what kept me motivated, etc.

How I did it? That's simple. I followed three concepts each day:
1. I started counting calories, and eating healthy.
2. I started working out 5-6 days a week. (The first 7 months of this journey I worked out with a trainer twice a week! Spend the money. It's a HUGE motivator/accountability)
3. I stopped making excuses. period.

What kept me motivated?
1. Reminding myself that I was worth it.
2. The immense amount of support and challenge I had from my trainer, Albert.
3. The incredible support I had from a few of my closest friends.

A journey like this isn't easy. It takes hard work. It takes an immense amount of discipline. For me it took sacrifice. For once in my life I had to be selfish with my time. I had to put my needs above other people's at times. I still tried to maintain a healthy balance of life and this journey, but I knew that working out and staying on track of my eating had to be one of my top priorities over the course of the past year. Despite the frustrations I had at times, the feeling of accomplishment I had when I saw significant changes in my life was incredible! I feel so much more alive today than I did one year ago. When you are that overweight everyday is a battle. I remember feeling so tired all the time. My back hurt, my knees hurt, everything hurt. I realized that as a 25 year old this wasn't the way I should be living! Today I'm full of energy and rarely tired. I don't have issues with my back or knees anymore! I'm living the life that I should be living thanks to God's great grace in helping me accomplish these goals. I can do things today that I didn't think I'd ever be able to do. I can meet a friend to go running for miles, I can shop in normal stores, and overall just be a more confident person in who God says that I am.

If you need the motivation to get started, JUST DO IT! Remember, you are worth it. Your body is worth it. If I can do it, you can do it.

A few AFTER pics! I'm happy!

I live in NYC.

2010-09-12T22:04:00.003-05:00

I moved to the City on August 31st. It's been a whirlwind, and I can't believe I've been here for almost two weeks. Things are going pretty well. It's going to be an interesting season. Right now I take my days as they come and pray for God's grace alot. It's been a true test of faith for me as I rely heavily (more than any other time) on Him. He is good, all the time, He is good.

On Saturday morning I ran around the Central Park Reservoir that you see in the pic above. It was a GREAT run with my friend, Katie, whom I love, despite her being an Aggie. It was definitely one of the coolest things I've done since I got here.

Things i like about NYC: all the walking, all the good food, all the cultures that dwell within this island, central park.

Things i hate about NYC: there are a few but mostly the fact that I'm always smelling smoke on the street. YUCK.

goodnight from the Big Apple!

I love these girls.

2010-08-03T14:39:00.002-05:00

We are the fantastic four. These are my best friends on the planet.
I am going to miss them beyond words!

I love weddings!

2010-07-14T15:43:00.002-05:00

My niece got married this past Saturday! Beautiful couple, beautiful wedding! What a great weekend it was :) So thankful for my family!

Vacay!

2010-07-03T16:05:00.001-05:00

This picture sums up the greatness that has been my vacation in the Dominican Republic.

My BFF

2010-06-21T22:23:00.003-05:00

Meet my new best friend. We haven't had too many fights yet, but I always leave "him" looking as if I have taken a shower with my clothes on. Awesome? Not sure yet. But he's given me some realllllllllly good workouts lately.

Five days till I say goodbye to my BFF, and to Gold's Gym for TWELVE days! So excited to relax, and get a nice tan :)

My blog has become uber lame. When I move I promise I will have more witty/fun posts.

And NO, I STILL don't have a place to live.

the end!

The million dollar question.

2010-06-04T08:24:00.000-05:00

Random person: So you're moving to New York city?
Me: yes, in September.
Person: Where are you going to live?
Me: I don't know yet.
person: (concerned look) well you should probably figure that out.

yes, I'm moving to New York city in September and NO I DONT KNOW WHERE I'M GOING TO LIVE FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THAT IS GOOD.

If ONE more person asks me this I'm officially going to have a heart attack.

The end.

Happy Friday :)

Stamp of Approval: Yogurt

2010-06-01T19:14:00.004-05:00

I've harped on how much I love Cascade Fresh yogurt for a while, but recently a new love has invaded my palate.
Wallaby Organic Australian Style yogurt. Ummm... one word: DELICIOUS. One reason I can't really do greek yogurt (even though it is the healthiest) is because I just can't stand how freakin thick it is. I honestly feel like I'm eating sour cream instead of yogurt, and the thought of that almost makes me throw up. Welcome, Wallaby into my life. It's creamy, and almost smoothie like. So far I've had Banana/Vanilla and a Strawberry flavor. I also have a Blueberry in the fridge to try next.

Here are the stats:
Serving Size: 1 Container
Total Fat: 2.5 Grams
Calories: 140
Sodium 75mg
Protein 7g

All in all, a great product. AND they are on sale at sprout's for .79 cents until tomorrow!!! These are normally .99 cents at Sprout's, or over a dollar at HEB.

It's June 1st. Where the heck did May go? In other news I leave for VACAY in 25 days with one of my best friends, Cami! I'm so dang excited. Excited to go radio silent, sit in the sun, relax, and see some great friends in the Dominican Republic.

Over and out.

stamp of approval: tortilla chips

2010-05-24T18:55:00.003-05:00

Food Should Taste Good Brand- Multigrain. 10 chips for 140 calories. I promise you can PRONOUNCE every ingredient in these too.

Food that's food and isn't processed tastes so good! I can hardly eat anything that's processed because it either tastes really salty or really sweet. Yuck.

Here's to eating healthy... for life! If you need more tips, check out some of the healthy eating/fitness blogs to the right on my blogroll. These girls know how to BLOG and are awesome foodies with great tips, recipes, etc!

LOSTLOSTLOSTLOSTLOSTLOSTLOSTLOST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-05-22T11:42:00.002-05:00

HOW WILL IT ALL END?!?!

30 HOURS AWAY....

p.s. yes, i'm ridiculous. judge me all you want!

Every four years...

2010-05-21T08:42:00.002-05:00

Seems like the Lord has decided to do significant things in my life in increments of four years.

8 years ago I graduated from High School. And that summer the Lord rescued me out of my depravity and made me alive with HIM! Jesus saved my life that summer before college, and I will never be more grateful for anything else in my life. No accomplishment, milestone, degree, etc. can ever compare to the greatness of knowing Him.

4 years ago I graduated from the University of Texas! HOOK'EM HORNS. I am a very proud Texas Ex. I'm so thankful for my time at UT, as it's where I really fell in love with the Lord, and began the learning process of living a life for Him. College was so fun!

And today, 2010, I am three and half-ish months away from beginning a journey that's exciting, yet nerve racking, but humbling. I know without a doubt that God is leading me to NYC for the sake of His gospel. And with that, I can't have any doubt that it's not going to be awesome! I'm nothing special. I'm no super Christian. I don't have all the right answers. I still struggle with sin. But with God all things are possible. He uses ordinary people to do crazy things for Him. I'm a prime example of an ordinary person who's just been changed for the sake of the gospel.

What are you willing to do for the Lord that others won't? I challenge you to think about that today.

Alliance Theological Seminary.

2010-05-03T20:53:00.002-05:00

Above is a picture of my seminary. It's on Worth Street in Downtown Manhattan. It's actually one block south of Chinatown (can we say what a great lunch spot?) It's a typical high rise building right in the city. From the outside, it looks just like a normal building. There are no other buildings besides this one. I don't have a walk across "campus". I'll spend most of my afternoons this Fall like most New Yorkers, inside of a building with a millions of people going along their way right outside. This excites me, as crazy as it might sound. Some people hear about my plan and are so excited for me, and some people hear it and literally think I'm crazy. The only response I have to negative comments (especially when I tell them that I still don't have a place a live), is that I can't get over the peace I feel about this decision to pursue God's call in my life in New York City. I haven't had one doubt that I chose the wrong location or school. The peace that I feel about this is beyond explaining, but know that I go to bed at night knowing that my future is a bit unknown, but I'm peaceful. It's kinda weird not to be panicking about this, but I'm just not. I told God, I was ALL IN to His plan for my life. I know this is going to be an adventure. So ready or not... here I come, New York City.

I'm taking four classes (this is kinda weird to think about)

1. Introduction to Spiritual Formation (basically who am I in Christ, and what has He called my life to look like).
2. Perspectives in Mission (What's God's heart for missions? Why do we go?)
3. The New Testament
4. The Old Testament

I have class Monday from 2-5, Tuesday from 2-5, Wednesday 2-5, and 6-9. Pretty cool schedule if you ask me. This leaves a perfect time for a part time job in the morning if I want. It also leaves time for me to hang out with my guests on Thursday or Friday :)

Below is a verse that's been really encouraging to me lately. I'm not going to the nations in another country, but I will be amongst the nations in NYC (one of the biggest reasons I chose it over Boston).

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." Matthew 28:20

What do I have to fear about the future when God promises He is with me ALWAYS, to the end of age?

Nothing.

Starbucks..... I love you but...

2010-04-23T08:57:00.004-05:00

I also HATE you for keeping me awake until who knows when. I decided to turn my clock around when it was after midnight and I was still awake :( I got in bed at 9:30. So, being in bed for almost 3 hours and not being able to fall asleep made me a very unhappy camper. My body just didn't know what to do with all that caffeine. Mind you, I had Starbucks at 1pm, but I never really drink anything other than water and the coffee smelled SO good. (and it was!)

However, I prayed a lot in that time, and I also prayed that when my alarm went off at 5:45 this morning I would have the strength to get up, and get my workout in. When it did, I got up and was on my way.

So, starbucks, I love you, but for the time being if I go visit you I am only going to drink tea! I told Hope this morning to remind me NOT to drink coffee anymore, or at least not for the time being.

In other news, Camille is coming in town this weekend, and I'm so excited to see my dear friend! Love that girl.

AND on Sunday, I'm taking Christie, the girl that I mentor, to see IN THE HEIGHTS! I lovvvvvvve this show. I saw it in my beloved, NYC, last March with Jaclyn and it's awesome. Can't wait to see it here in Austin this weekend.

Happy Friday! :)

I need to study this.

2010-04-16T14:00:00.002-05:00

:) I think I'll like riding the subway and not having to drive. i HATE driving anyway!

T- minus 4 and half months till I reside in the Big Apple! What? Seriously?

Blue Dahlia Bistro

2010-04-16T13:42:00.006-05:00

"French Bistro meets Farmers Market. Ultramodern loft meets historic district. Hipster coffee house meets the Chitlin Circuit. There’s something about the confluence of all these elements that makes the Blue Dahlia Bistro a perfect microcosm of Austin."- Eat and Drink Austin

This place is one of my FAVORITE places to eat in Austin. It's a small french bistro over on E. 11th street. Mostly organic stuff, and everything is just so freakin fresh and delicious. If you have not tried this place you REALLY are missing out. My favorites reign from the Shrimp Tartine (a fancy name for a sandwich) to their perfect Belgian waffles with nutella :) Yum! They serve their entire menu all day, and honestly everything is so good that it doesn't matter when you go.

Recently, anytime I've had a friend in town and they want to try something new I take them to this place. And I haven't had any complaints yet :) Below is Melinda, my dear friend from Dallas, who was also my freshmen roommate! Time flies, and I'm so thankful to still be good friends with her.
So check out the menu, http://www.bluedahliabistro.com/menu_sept09.pdf, and next time you want something new and fun, and really really good go to blue dahlia! You won't be disappointed.

Ephesians.

2010-04-16T13:37:00.000-05:00

For this reason I kneel before the Father, ¹⁵from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

²⁰Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Ephesians 3:14-21

I heart the Book of Ephesians... alot.

Blog...

2010-04-01T11:41:00.001-05:00

....I am completely failing you!

When something interesting happens in my life I will blog about it. I promise.

For now, I'm about to get off work and head home for Easter!

And I'm off till Tuesday! :)

Over and out.

I need a new telefono...

2010-03-29T21:55:00.003-05:00

My phone decided to crap out on me and it won't take a charge anymore. Luckily my upgrade isn't for another month (hence the sarcasm).
Don't be jealous that for the time being I get to use the Motorola Razr. I know you are all super jealous right now, but just stop.

I'm currently debating on what phone I should get next.I've been trying to avoid getting the iphone. I'm just trying to say NO to the pressure. I've been pretty good at it, since the iphone has been out for almost 2 years! Should I succumb to pressure? We shall see...

The only other phone I like is a samsung touchscreen. We will see.

this post didn't have much interesting info. i'm sorry that sometimes my life is boring.

In other news, i LOVE nights after work when i can go workout, and come home and have NOTHING on my agenda. feels good.

Weekends are too short.

2010-03-28T23:08:00.001-05:00

I wish I had something more inspiring to say. I DO have a 4 day week, then 4 days off for Easter! yay :)

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. I finally got to see Remember Me. WHOA. Such a great movie. I had no idea what is going to be like, but it far surpassed what I was thinking. And I also got to try out Terra Burger, and all organic burger place on the drag that I've been wanting to go to for forever. Laurin, my old roomie, was in town so she and I went! I was excited she was here because I knew she would appreciate it. It did not disappoint at all. It was a tad bit pricey, but that's what happens when you eat good, real food, and not processed cheap crappy food.

The end.

Rachael Ray's Feedback Party!

2010-03-27T23:16:00.003-05:00

So for the second year in a row I've attended Rachael Ray's Party at South by Southwest. I'm not super big into SXSW, but this party is off the chain (yes, I just said that!) First of all, it's FREE! Free awesome music, free delicious food, and free drinks! Can things get much better than that? Check out the lineup above. The last band, She & Him, was freaking awesome! If you don't know the lead singer you might remember her when she was in Elf :) and had a great voice in that movie too! I had an awesome day with one of my greatest friends, Jaclyn. Despite the fact that it was 40 degrees all day it really was an awesome day. I will admit that I was a little starstruck when I saw Rachael Ray so many times up close. She was in line next to me in the bathroom! Ha! I don't have a picture with her because she was not doing any sort of that stuff and she limited her talking to fans too. I think it would have been too overwhelming otherwise. The event was held at Stubb's and there easily over 1000 people there. Here she is with her hubby who is in the band, The Cringe.

As far as food went it was so good yet again! On the menu were veggie roll up tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken quesadillas suisa, meatball subs, and free lonestars, pina coladas, bloody mary's, and margaritas all day! Overall it was a really fun day! She ended the concert with the fact that we should all come back next year! And I just might :)

Here is me and my friend, Jaclyn afterwards at Chuy's! We are going to be spring break buddies for life. We always have a huge laughfest over spring break! Last year we were in NYC but this year was fun too! Thankful for her :)

Spring Break Recap

2010-03-25T22:18:00.001-05:00

If you take a look at a couple of posts ago you'll notice that I had a list of things I wanted to get accomplished over spring break. The funny part is that all of them got accomplished except for one. And that was #1. However, today I'm happy to report that I indeed filed my taxes (finally!) tonight! I'm proud of myself for finally doing this as I had put it off for so long.

Spring Break was truly one of the most relaxing weeks of my entire life. I winded up heading to Brownwood last Saturday afternoon and instead of coming back mid-week like I thought I stayed until Friday morning! I basically stayed until the very last second I could before needing to be back to see my friends before a few of them headed to Egypt for the week.

My week at home was fabulous. I mean, like really really awesome. Mostly because I got a TON of sleep. My schedule was as follows: sleep for a long time, wake up late, watch food network all day, go workout, eat dinner, go hang out with my sister and her family. Repeat. The first night I was home I got 12 hours of sleep! I slept from 10pm-10am. Apparently I was tired. This past Sunday during my Get Trained class I saw one of my best friends and the first thing she said to me was, "Wow, you look really rested!" I don't know if that is good or bad. I want to find a balance of my life. I am always on the go, but I know the benefits and the command of taking a sabbath each week. I have to get better at this concept.

Last Saturday afternoon I got to go to the Rachael Ray SXSW party. It was AWESOME. When I get some pics from my friend Jaclyn I'm going to write a post. Until now, just know despite the fact that it was 40 degrees outside, it was really really fun.

This week has flown by!

Over and out.

I'm moving to New York City!!!

2010-03-24T21:33:00.003-05:00

Yup, it's official. I'm moving to this great city to pursue my degree in Urban Ministry from Alliance Theological Seminary. I've known for a while that this is where I was being led, but it took a while for me to finally want to officially say it. I guess owning up to it makes me realize that indeed (Lord willing) it is indeed going to happen! I'm overjoyed. I have a huge heart for the city of New York, for the nations of people that dwell within it, and for the potential for ministry. It's going to be awesome.

Here are answers to a couple of questions you might have:

"When are you leaving?"- My plan right now is to move around September 1st. School starts September 8th, and last time I checked NYC is not cheap, so I can't really afford to be there any sooner. Plus I want to spend as much time in Texas with family/friends :)

"Where are you going to live?"- Right now I'm still praying that God would open up the door for this. A dear friend of mine from Dallas is also praying about moving to the city, and we've talked about potentially living together, but nothing it set it stone. You can be praying for me about this! My seminary is located right in Manhattan, actually right by Chinatown, so living right in the city is something I really desire.

"How long is seminary and how long are you going to be gone?"- Seminary is approximately two full school years, so I will at least be there until June or July of 2012. However, I have NO idea what God is going to do with me in regards to ministry. J.R. Vassar said they moved to the city with "no exit plan", so that's my heart right now too.

"Can I come visit you?"- YES! YES! YES!

Dream. Priscilla Ahn.

2010-03-22T16:18:00.003-05:00

I was a little girl alone in my little world who dreamed of a little home for me.
I played pretend between the trees, and fed my houseguests bark and leaves, and laughed in my pretty bed of green.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest swing.
I had a dream.

Long walks in the dark through woods grown behind the park, I asked God who I'm supposed to be.
The stars smiled down on me, God answered in silent reverie. I said a prayer and fell asleep.

I had a dream
That I could fly from the highest tree.
I had a dream.

Now I'm old and feeling grey. I don't know what's left to say about this life I'm willing to leave.
I lived it full and I lived it well, there's many tales I've lived to tell. I'm ready now, I'm ready now, I'm ready now to fly from the highest wing.

I had a dream

what's your dream?

I have not forgotten about you, blog.

2010-03-21T23:58:00.001-05:00

I just took a sabbatical from blogging because I basically took a sabbatical from life last week for Spring Break.

The verdict?

It was GLORIOUS.

I had a wonderful, wonderful, spring break of relaxation.

I'll continue with my daily posts tomorrow!

goodnight.

Stamp of Approval: Food Edition

2010-03-13T16:00:00.000-06:00

Mootopia Skim Milk: In the picture above it's chocolate milk which is not what I got, but that's the only picture I can find. You can find this lactose free, reduced sugar, high protein milk at HEB. And it tastes delicious. It's 90 calories for one cup! Got get some today!

Lorna Shortbread Cookies 100 calorie pack: I know, I know, I know I shouldn't be eating packaged stuff like this. It doesn't have any nutritional value at all, but you know what? They taste good. So sometimes at night when I want something sweet I have a package of these and a cup of skim milk. And that my friends is better than having that 800 calorie (yes I'm serious) slice of cheesecake at dinner.

Healthy Harvest Rotini Pasta: Whole wheat pasta can be realllly crappy. Don't ever get the regular size whole wheat spagehttti. It's just awful. However, this rotini is actually really really good. Pair it with a 1/2 cup of low sodium spaghetti sauce and you are all set! Pasta has a ton of carbs, and is super calorie dense, but when I make this stuff I feel like it's worth the calories.

Naturally More Peanut Butter "What Peanut Butter Should Be"- This stuff is GOOD. Yes, in all caps. Everything in it is good for you, peanuts, wheat germ, flax seed, egg whites, honey... what else can you ask for? It honestly tastes just like most peanut butter does except it's not made with artificial anything or vegetable oil. So next time you are looking to buy some peanut butter let me suggest this kind.
Field Greens: so simple. I decided I would start buying this in bulk at HEB instead of in the prepackage that costs 4 or more dollars. Instead I'll put it in a bag, and pay about 2 dollars! You can always wash it at home on your own. I ate this stuff all week and it costs me TWO dollars. Think about how much you spent on one salad if you go out to eat.

Jennie-O Turkey Burgers: These are by far my favorite thing to eat. One package costs just over 3 dollars at HEB. For the past two weeks I've bought these and eaten one with mustard, and field greens everyday for lunch, no bun, but I get my carb fill on Pop Chips or Baked chips of some sort. The ones I get have natural seasonings, and the sodium content is less than 200mg a patty. That's unheard of almost. The natural seasoning is actually pretty good, the only thing I add it just a tad bit of pepper, but no salt! I grill these up on a george forman in about 5-6 minutes.

So this week I hate 2 dollar field green and 3 dollar turkey burgers. Lunch for FOUR days cost me 5 dollars. How much did you spent on lunch just today if you ate out?

Happy eating!

Spring Break!

2010-03-12T08:40:00.000-06:00

Starts today after work!!!!!!!!!!!! So looking forward to having NINE days off from work. Nine days to do whatever the heck I want. I think one reason I'm really looking forward to this spring is because I was basically sick for the entire two weeks off of Christmas break. Not I can't move sick, but the sinus/sometimes fever/achey sick. I spent Christmas Day taking medicine, and I spent New Year's Eve feeling awful, and I spent the ENTIRE day of New Years day in my bed. That's when I watched LOST Season Five all day (no complaining about that) Here's to hoping my body will stay well for the next nine days.

Things I need/want to do:

1. FILE TAXES! I can't believe I haven't done this yet. I'm getting money back. Obviously I don't want it that bad or I would have already filed these.

2. READ! For fun. I'm currently in the process of reading FOUR books. I am ashamed. I hope to make a dent in at least a couple of them.

3. Get my inspection sticker (lame). I'm a week late, BUT I'm waiting to go to Brownwood because it only costs like 12 dollars there and here in Austin it's like 32. I'll save 20 bucks. I'm not a cheap person unless it comes to stuff like this. Who wants to spend 20 dollars if they don't have to.

4. Eat at my favorite restaurant in Brownwood, Steve's Market and Deli.

5. Go to Rachael Ray's SXSW Party next Saturday! yes, please. Last year it was SO fun.

6. SLEEP! Sleep in, take naps, relax.

7. Spend time with my family at home. The months of my time in Texas are flashing before my eyes (or so it seems) so I gotta spend as much time with fam as possible.

I'm sure there are more things but those are all I can think of for now.

Yay no work! Yay getting paid for not working! :)

Also, since I was five years old there has only been ONE year in which I did not have a spring break and that was in 2007 when I was working at the law firm. And if memory serves me correctly I actually winded up taking a couple days off that week too. I am also guaranteed spring break for the next two years since I'll be back in school. I hope you're jealous. Ha, just kidding.

Happy Almost Spring Break!

Waste of time.

2010-03-11T20:15:00.002-06:00

.... Facebook.

Today on my way to work I just felt convicted (for once) about the amount of time I spend browsing the popular social networking site. So, I decided that for today I would not log on at all for the next 12 hours. That was exactly 12 hours ago as we speak. Do you know how refreshing it's been to be away from that site? I don't think you have until you have tried it. Today I got much more accomplished at work, felt more focused, and actually when I had a few spare moments I spent them TALKING with coworkers, instead of stalking. Yes, don't act like you don't stalk. I know that I do. When was the last time you talked to most of the people that you stalked on facebook today? If you are like me, it's probably been a while. Here's the point, I'm not saying never to log on to facebook again, that I'm closing my account, etc. What I am saying is that I personally felt convicted over the amount of time my mind spends dedicated to this site. (Does anyone else think in facebook status lingo?) It can even be an idol. First of all, it's completely narcissistic. Think about it. Everyone gets to post what they are doing every second of the day, everyone gets to post their accomplisments, their engagments/marriages, their new job promotions, etc! And while those things are fine what winds up happening is that you (I) covet those things or feel jealous. If you are a girl and you are single and all of a sudden your not-even-close to you friend posts pictures of her perfect engagement to the man of her dreams... don't you often feel a little jealous? Or how about the couple that you envy because they got to buy a new house. Or the family that's having a baby when you and your husband can't get pregnant. Or you're married and you get to read about all the fun that your single friends get to have because they don't have commitments like you. This list can go on, and on and on.

Recently I've made a rule of thumb in my life. I don't like to spend more time on things that are temporal over things that are eternal. For example, sometimes I catch myself wanting to spend longer than one hour at the gym. I reason that if I can just burn X more amount of calories it can make up for the X thing I ate earlier I shouldn't have, or something like that. I made a rule to myself that I would not stay at the gym longer than what I would spend with the Lord. Because if I have 2 hours to spend at the gym, and a rushed 30 minute quiet time, something is just wrong with that.

I'm NOT trying to convict you for how you decide to spend your time. Maybe you can do it all, but I know that I can't, and that's why I needed to write this post. Does this mean I'll never be on facebook again? No, it doesn't. It just means that I'm continuing to evaluate things in my life that don't matter in the long run. Facebook serves as an excellent way to network, and to get information out to all your friends. But it just can't have the stronghold in my life that it has right now.

When I get discouraged, I'm going to come back and read this post.

SPRING BREAK STARTS TOMORROW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Community.

2010-03-10T21:12:00.002-06:00

I'm really thankful for community. I'm thankful that I have a great group of close friends who know me. Not the I see you once a month me, but the I see/talk to you multiple times a week me. It's SO refreshing to sit around a group of people and not have to complete catch up on what you've been doing for the past however many months. Honestly, that's not community at all. I am so thankful that I have friends who care about me, and when they ask me how I'm doing, or how my week has been, they actually mean it. I've found recently that I become very easily frustrated with superficial "community", in fact when people who I don't think honestly care ask me how I'm doing, I typically just say I'm fine and end it there. Maybe I shouldn't be so harsh, but I just don't like being fake. Does that make sense?

Anyway, I'm not trying to be mean to anyone. I'm just trying to be honest with how I feel. It might seem like I have a ton of friends, but honestly I have very few really good friends who know me intimately. I don't mind having lots of friends, but I also can't pretend like we are super close if we go months without talking/seeing each other. You make time for the people you love, end of story.

I'll end with the fact that the community I do have is great, and I'm so very blessed by them.

Over and out.

P.S. Spring Break starts in less than 2 days and I'm not sure if I've ever wanted something so badly then that.

LOST

2010-03-09T11:12:00.003-06:00

Spoiler Alert: If you are not watching this season yet and still trying to catch up, DON'T read this post. (Camille, that's for you!) Unless you want to know some of the crazy stuff going on this season!

Here are 10 things that are just NUTS to me about Season Six: The Final Season of LOST.

1. How the crap have we not known that Jack had a son? Who is like 12 years old too!

2. I am so confused about Sayid and his lady friend. I was really confused that she's married to his brother? What?

3. Where did Desmond go after Jack went to the bathroom on the plane? Was he just a figmant of his imagination?

4. How did Rose/Hurley not recognize each other on the Island if Hurley was the owner of the company that she works for?

5. What have the people of the Temple been doing this whole time?! What a boring life.

6. Ben is apparently a school teacher. And he's still creepy.

7. Claire is totally freaking me out. I'm really hoping she doesn't really kill Kate.

8. I am REALLY ready for the Kate/Jack/Sawyer trio to end. Kate, choose Jack, and be done with it. Was anyone else surprised when Sawyer completely rejected her? He really loved Juliet.

9. Speaking of Juliet. I don't think I realized the hell and back this character had to endure. (Until I rewatched Season Four the other day, stop judging me) Chances are we will see her again in Sideways life. I hope so. She's one of my favorites.

10. Sideways life. Enough said.

There are only TEN more episodes left. And I am going to confess that I am really glad. I just want all of this to end so I can go on with my life and stop being so confused.

The end.

Oh wait, PS: I STILL cannot stand Locke, or the Black Monster he is now. Ugh, this character has annoyed me since day 1 when he was sitting on the beach!

I've always been a sinner.

2010-03-08T20:43:00.002-06:00

This is me when I was little. My sister repeatedly told me NOT to stick my finger in the cage or the bird would bite it. What did I do? Stuck my finger in the cage and got BIT!

So yes, even at that young of an age I had a spirit of rebellion in me. At that young of an age I rejected counsel from someone who just wanted to not see me hurt. Thankfully now when I stumble I understand God's grace in my life, but that doesn't mean that I still don't "stick my finger in a cage" from time to time.

Jesus is a great savior and I am a great sinner.

The Gospel.

2010-03-07T23:39:00.004-06:00

For I delivered to you as of freest importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in the accordance with the Scriptures.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4

The Gospel is good news not good advice. It's the good news that: Jesus lived the life that you should have lived and died the death that you should have died. So that God receive you, not on the basis of your record but because of Jesus'.

You've been accepted, therefore you obey. You don't obey to be accepted.

I needed to be reminded of the goodness of the Gospel tonight. I never want to grow tired of it. I never want to grow content of what Jesus did for me. I have to recite the Gospel to myself each day in order to try to live for the sake of it.

I am a BIG fan of this Get Trained class I'm taking with Fabs this semester. That girl brings a ton of truth into my life each week. She's challenging me to think outside the box. She's challenging me to live out what I say I believe.

Over and out.

5 days till Spring Break.

My heart is happy!

Stamp of approval: Restaurants in Austin, Texas (Unhealthy Edition)

2010-03-06T13:15:00.001-06:00

Hut's. Oh Hut's, how I miss you. Despite my desire to eat healthy, and stick with a pretty strict eating plan, I won't lie and say that I don't STILL crave a good hamburger. I hadn't eaten any hamburgers in months until I went to California and ate half (another story) of one at In-N-Out. Hut's is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyy better than In-N-Out. I will (yes, yes I will) eat this before I leave this great city. I might be sick afterward, but it's worth it. My favorite (no pun intended) is actually the Hut's Favorite: Bacon, Cheese, Mayo, Lettuce, Pickle. Um... delicious. Did I mention they have awesome fries/onion rings. Well they do. AND really really good shakes! Yikes. I need to stop thinking about this place right now.

This is pretty much a staple for Austin. Any tourist we have in this town goes there. It's on the lake, it's a cool atmosphere, it's good food, it's decently priced. Why not? If you go, do yourself a favor and order the pipeline enchilada or chicken flautas with a side of rice and beans. They have the best rice and beans next to my mom's (and that is saying ALOT!). I havent been here in a while, but it has never, not once, disappointed me. There entire menu is great.

The above pizza place has to be the best place for pizza in Austin! It's basically authentic NY pizza right here in the capital of Texas. These slices are thin, and huge! I am not really eating pizza right now ( the last time I did I was sick for over a day, true story), but this is for sure my favorite place to go if I were. If you are a pizza fan, especially thin, then you HAVE to try this place. You can get "by the slice" before 6pm or after 9pm and that's the best deal in my opinion.

Let's just say if you have never had a breakfast taco from the place above, the you have never had the greatness that is breakfast tacos! While these days I take mine on corn tortillas and typically no meat, this place has a taco called the "Don Juan" which equals greatness. It's a mountain of egg, potato, bacon, and cheese. It's delicious.

There are lots of these restaurants throughout Austin and it's quickly became one of my favorite place to get fajitas. They are always delicious, and they have some awesome corn tortillas (I'm told the flour ones are great too). They have good prices, good service, and great food. Go try some!

... and I'm officially hungry.

Happy Weekend!

It's ok to be jealous.,,,

2010-03-05T08:27:00.001-06:00

... that in 113 days this will be my view for 12 days!

sunshine. tan. blue water. friends. good times. cute kids in the DR.

YES!

La Republica Dominicana, yo te amo!!!

In other news: It's Friday! It's Payday! And we only working half a day! Yay!

The Fantastic Four.

2010-03-04T09:00:00.000-06:00

The Fantastic Four: Me, Mandy, Tonya, and Candace.

We are four friends who met in college in the Fall of 2004, through our sorority, Phi Lamb. I wish that I could fully articulate what our friendships have been like, but just know that God has been good to us. We all come from small towns (Tonya and I actually grew up about 30 minutes from each other). Two of us are single, two are married. Tonya and I are one year older, then both Candace and Mandy. The younger ones are married! It was such a joy to see them find their husbands, and then see them on their wedding days. I'm thankful that Tonya is single, and we can share about what God is teaching us through singleness. Two are teachers, and while I work at a school and Mandy is a business girl, we sometimes find it difficult to understand how Tonya and Candace teach kindergarten (and do it well) everyday! We decided we'd keep our sanity :) The Lord has perfectly designed our friendships. We have been through a lot together. We have all seen the best and worst of each other. We've gone through seasons of happiness and sorrow together. I think because we've seen the worst of each other, we understand grace even more. God has restored our friendships when they suffered, and He has so evidently had His hand over our lives. These girls are my community. These girls are my confidants. These are the girls who have been my biggest supporters though my journey to a "healthy me". These are the girls that I can laugh or cry with. These are the girls that I know I can ALWAYS count on. These are the girls that love me despite seeing my faults. These are the girls that offer grace.These girls are the girls that I will miss IMMENSELY when I move. I'm so thankful for them. I love them so much!

Here are some pics of us throughout the years!

Us At Mandy's Wedding

Us at Mandy's Rehearsal Candace's Wedding!

Halloween 2005!

Phi Lamb Closing Ceremonies 2006

My 24th Birthday

My birthday!

Tonya's Birthday in 2007 (I think!)

I love:

2010-03-03T09:00:00.000-06:00

I got inspired to make a list of all the things I love ( in no particular order) :

Sunsets

Airplanes

Gap Jeans

New York City

Gold's Gym

The Texas Longhorns

Egypt

Sperry's

eating healthy

Marc Jacobs Purses

Scarves

my NorthFace Jacket

Nike Running Shoes

JESUS

Starbucks on a cold day

TV in HD

Reading Blogs

Skim Milk/Cereal

V-Necks

Gmail

The Austin Stone Community Church

Going home to see my parents

My bible

lunches with old friends

Memories from freshmen year at UTA

Sigma Phi Lambda

The Fantastic Four

Discipleship time with Christie Bonham

The Egypt Girls

Turkey burgers

Apostle's Church sermons

Brunch

working out

my red Jetta

grocery shopping in every isle

Austin, Texas

Blue Dahlia Bistro

Kidstuff at the ASCC

The Dominican Republic

laughing

cupcakes

Alamo Drafthouse

weddings

peanut m&m's

LOST!

the Middle East

my ipod touch

Whole Foods

maps

Caribbean ocean

Chanel perfume

Moonshine Bar & Grill

... and many others things/people/places.

Jet setting!

2010-03-02T09:00:00.000-06:00

I really really really really like to travel! I don't think you you quite understand (or believe) how much I like being in airports and being on planes. It's actually quite strange, because I like it so much. Maybe I missed my calling in life and should have been a flight attendant. Maybe? Anyway! Last year I only went on TWO trips all year long, but it was to my beloved city, New York City, and the other was on a trip with my church to EGYPT. I am not complaining! It was almost a year later before I got on another plane which was just a few weeks ago to California. My next trip is scheduled for this May in going back to my beloved, yes, NYC! I'm going for a long weekend over Memorial Day weekend with my great friend, Jaclyn! Should be a good time. And in less than a month after that I'll get on yet another plane to my beloved country, of the Dominican Republic. So here's to traveling.

I have a feeling over the next few years jet setting to a from Texas will be on my list of favorite things to do. Hopefully there will be some jet setting from my friends who all come and visit me in the Northeast. I say "Northeast" because I haven't made my final decision on seminary just yet. But that's coming in the next couple of weeks. Get excited. I'm going to be updating you on seminary plans very soon. Maybe even tomorrow.

A list of all the cool places I've gone in the past couple of years:
May 2007- New York City
June-July 2007- Dominican Republic
January 2008- Colorado
March 2008- Dominican Republic
June 2008-July 2008- Dominican Republic
October 2008- Philadelphia
November 2008- New York City
December 2008- Mexico
January 2009- Cairo, EGYPT
March 2009- New York City
February 2010- California
May 2010-NYC
June-July 2010- Dominican Republic

I live a hard life.

I like American Airlines.

I like free drinks on planes.

I like people watching in airports.

I like reading on airplanes and journaling about my upcoming trip.

I love to travel.

Just a pic.

2010-03-01T14:47:00.002-06:00

In January I went to watch Mandy's little sister, Brittany, play basketball for Houston Baptist University. It was so fun! I have been friends with Mandy since Fall of 2004, and have loved getting to know her family throughout the years. They are great, and so much fun! I love the Barton's!

Weekends.

2010-02-28T21:53:00.002-06:00

This post is going to be short. However, I just want to say how much I LOVE the weekend. No matter what I'm doing, where I'm going, or who I'm seeing, the weekend is just good for me. It gives me a chance to unwind from the week. It gives me a chance to REST (typically I sabbath on Sundays) and it gives my soul a chance to refuel for the coming week.

This weekend was a good one. My good friend, Camille, came in town. Our mutual friend (and my coworker) Alexia got married on Saturday at the Allen House. It was a really fun, small, outside, beautiful wedding. The weather was perfect, and it was so great to see my friend get married. I really like going to weddings. There is something just so cool about seeing believers get married, and pledge their life for each other. It's a beautiful thing. Maybe someday I'll get to experience that. Maybe!? :) Come on, God. (kidding).

On Friday night we went to one of my favorite restaurants in Austin, Blue Dahlia Bistro. Do yourself a favor and go there. I have never been disappointed in anything I've gotten. It's a cute, small little French Bistro on E. 11th. It's cozy, and has some great organic, fresh dishes. Try it!

We did other stuff, and saw other friends, but I'm tired of writing.

Until tomorrow.

Buenas Noches.

STAMP of approval: Fashion Edition. But I'm not fashionable.

2010-02-27T09:28:00.000-06:00

Here come some more stamps of approval by yours truly.

Up first are GAP V-neck sweaters. I have LIVED in these this winter (and yes, Texas has had a winter this year in my opinion!). They are SO comfortable and I really do love them. Check out, Gap's Website, for yours today! I have them in about 10 colors. Quit judging me. (For the record, Gap is my favorite store so basically this stamp could be put on everything they have! I am a huge fan of their jeans!)

Second are Sperry's! I don't wear these because they are "cool". I wear these because they are seriously so comfortable. Are they they cute or fashionable? No. But I love them, and I wear them just about everyday, usually with jeans and v-neck sweater. Call me ordinary. Oh well!For the summer I'm getting these in blue! So cute! Chances are you will see me in these, shorts, and an american apparel vneck. I like vnecks and boats shoes if you couldn't tell.

Last are what's become my favorite brand of watches: Kenneth Cole. These watches are nice, and I think are worth the amount of money they cost. My mom bought me one last year for my birthday (2008) and I still wear it a lot. My mom bought me another one this past year too. I don't have the one below, but isn't it a beauty? You can find these at any department store. I got both of mine at Macy's. But they actually have a Kenneth Cole outlet in Round Rock so they would be cheaper.

Anyway, there is my materialistic blog for the weekend. HA! Just kidding. I appreciate nice stuff, but I know life isn't all about this stuff.

La Republica Dominicana

2010-02-26T09:12:00.005-06:00

Last night I had the pleasure of getting to hang out with the two ladies above. On the left is Robin, who is a dear friend of mine who lives/serves in the Dominican Republic for Makarios. I volunteered for this organization as an intern in the Summer of 2007. That's when my heart was forever changed! Anyway, Robin was in town this week, and I had a chance to meet up with her at Dominican Joe and catch up. Getting to talk to her about the DR is always refreshing, and it was SO good to see her. On the right is Mama Barb, aka my dear friend Cara's mom. Cara also lives/serves in the DR for an organization called La Tienda. You can read about it on her blog. Cara and Robin have both lived in the DR since 2007! I didn't even know them in Austin. Our friendships all started there. I love these girls, and the organizations they work for. They have devoted themselves to loving HIS people in the DR and they do an awesome job. They are good and faithful servants, and I'm so blessed to know them.

Countdown to my next visit to La Republica Dominicana: FOUR months from today!!!! You don't understand my excitement about this. I will be in my beloved country for 12 whole days!!! Camille is coming too and she's pretty cool too :) AND cara's family will be in town too. It's going to be a party! We started planning our awesome July 4th weekend last night! Ha.

Enjoy your Friday!!!

STAMP of approval: Food Edition

2010-02-25T22:54:00.008-06:00

I'm totally copying this idea from my friend, Melinda. She gives her STAMP of approval to proudcts she really likes. Here are a few of my favorites that I want to share...
If you have never tried this chips, DO IT! They are so so so good. Jillian Michaels from biggest loser even admits that these are the "best" chips out there. Never baked, never friend, just popped! Do yourself a favor and buy a couple of bags. I know they are sold at Whole Foods, Central Market, Sprout's, and Target. Haven't seen them at HEB or Target.

Up next, Pure Protein, protein shakes. These are SO good. Protein shakes typically taste terrible, but I can honestly say that these taste delicious. If you are wanting to get in some extra protein in your day and don't want to eat a lot more meat/beans I definitely recommend getting some of these. You can buy them individually at HEB or Gold's gym, and I also just noticed that Target is carrying them! Each has 35 grams of protein and are less than 200 calories a can.

Laughing Cow cheese wedges! These little things are delicious and perfect if you are a big cheese fan. Cheese can be loaded with calories (do you know that shredded cheddar has over a hundred calories for 1/4 of a cup? And trust me, you eat more than a cup typically). These cheese wedges come in a few different flavors and are 35 calories per triangle. You can easily pair these with some crackers and you are set!

My last but definitely not least stamp of approval is for Larabars. I first saw these advertised on Biggest Loser and I decided to try some. They are basically bars that only have a few ingredients, so they are pretty clean. They are pretty dense in calories (190-220) so you definitely have to factor it in daily, but they are worth it. My favorite flavors are Apple Pie and Peanut Butter cookie. You can get these at pretty much any grocery story and run about 1-1.50 a piece. That's all folks.

Todo en espanol!

2010-02-24T09:00:00.000-06:00

Last Friday night, Christie and I decided to have a night totally dedicated to spanish/Mexican things. Christie is one of my best friends here in Austin, and we always have a great time together whenever we hang out. I also am her mentor, and our friendship has grown so much through our times in talking about the Lord together. She is one awesome girl! So thankful for her! And the fact that she is one of the funniest people I know definitely helps bring a ton of joy to my life. In my birthday card last year she wrote that one reason she loved me was because I didn't judge her for not so secretly wanting to Mexican! Ha!

We started off our night by eating Tacos at Torchy's, she got carnitas (totally mexican) and I had fajitas (boring I know).
There slogan is damn good tacos. And honestly, I have to agree. The fajitas and the corn tortillas are fantastic, and this is definitely climbing the list on one of my favorite places to eat in Austin.

After dinner, we decided to go to Fiesta! We had talked about going here for a long time. Fiesta is a grocery store in Austin that has a TON of Mexico products. There are two locations here in Austin and if you are ever wanting something you might have had in Mexico, chances are you going to find it here. Taking this girl here was like taking a 5 year old to a candy store and telling them they could have WHATEVER they wanted. Seriously, Christie had a blast! It was fun for her to collect some things for her classroom (she's a Spanish/Uteach major at UT and currently student teaching at Bowie H.S.) And just pick up other random Mexican things. So so fun!

Lastly, we went back to her apt to watch a "Mexican Film" as she kept referring to it. It was called El Norte. It's basically about a brother and sister who are fleeing from Guatemala to the "Norte" aka the USA. They eventually get to the USA, to LA actually. This movie was entirely in Spanish, and it was super super weird/random. Oh well! I wish I could tell you how it ends, but sadly we fell asleep, and yes it was about 10pm. Don't judge us!

VIVA MEXICO!

haha! :)

Crazy Love. Francis Chan.

2010-02-23T11:00:00.001-06:00

I read this book last year at some point and recently I started reading through it again. Francis Chan loves Jesus, and he brings A LOT of solid truth in this book. You need to read it. Just go get it right now, and start reading. This book is just eye opening. It's going to convict you. It's going to make you want to love Jesus more than you do. It's going to make you want to change what kind of Christian you have been. He talks about everything from being crazy in love with Jesus, to what Jesus thinks about people who are lukewarm (this isn't good by the way). I'm going to share some of my favorite quotes that just blew me away!

"I hope reading this book will convince you of something: that by surrendering yourself totally to God's purposes. he will bring you the most pleasure in this life and the next. I hope it affirms your desire for "more God"- even if you are surrounded by people who feel they have "enough God". I hope it inspires confidence if you have questioned and doubted the commitment of the American church. I want to affirm your questioning even while assuring you there is hope."

"As I see it, a lukewarm Christian is an oxymoron, there's no such thing. To put it plainly, churchgoers who are "lukewarm" are not Christians. We will not see them in Heaven."

"The critical question for our generation- and for every generation- is this: If you could have heaven, with no sickness, and with all your friends you ever had on earth, and all that food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict, or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven, if Christ was not there?"

"Christians today like to play it safe. We want to put ourselves in situations where we are safe "even if there is no God". But if we truly desire to please God, we cannot live that way. We have to do things that cost us during our life on earth but will be more than worth it in eternity."

"Having faith often means doing what others see as CRAZY. Something is wrong when our lives make sense to unbelievers."

"I question whether many American churchgoers are really in love with God because they are so hesitant to do anything for Him."- (YIKES!)

The Egypt Girls.

2010-02-22T08:57:00.001-06:00

January 2009- Cairo, Egypt

These are the Egypt Girls. None of them are Egyptian, but God changed each one of our hearts in really big ways when He led us on a trip to Egypt in January 2009. Since then God has truly been so good to us. He formed a special bond that will never be broken. Most of our friendships began while we were far away from Austin, far away from our everyday lives, far away from cell phones, or facebook, or anything like that. Together, we lived in true community for 10 days, and God just united us in a really special way. I've never connected at this deep of a level so quickly with any group of women in my life. We truly just enjoyed each other that week, and we loved each other, and we SERVED with each other. I think the last one is what ultimately created that bond, and our experiences in Egypt will never ever leave our memories or our hearts. Over a year later, we are still friends. Over a year later, we can get together and still laugh and remember all that God taught us that week. Over a year later, we all deeply love each other's company. I am thankful for each one of these women. They have ministered and loved me in ways they will never even know, or understand. This group of women is special, and I'm so thankful to have met them. Three of them are returning to Egypt in March and I'm a little jealous :) Pray for Anna, Cara, and Michelle.

God is good.

December 2009- Austin, Texas

Defending Our Hope

2010-02-21T22:40:00.002-06:00

At my church, we have a ministry called the Get Trained ministry. These are courses that are designed to expand our knowledge of who God is, what is He calling us to be, who are we in Him, etc. etc. Some are on specific topics, specific times of life, different books of the bible, etc. I've had the privilege of being a part of several of these classes, and they have always blown me away. The teachers are dedicated to the truth, and are so wise. I've really enjoyed having this ministry at our church. It's a huge resource to me, and to many others.

This semester I'm taking a class called Defending Our Hope. Here is the summary of what we are going to walk through:

As Christians, we should wrestle to understand the deep things of our faith and share all that God has revealed about Himself and His promises. Join us as we reflect on all that God has done for us in the Gospel and give reason for the hope that is in us by digging into the big questions: How can a loving God send people to Hell? How could a good God allow suffering?

Tonight was our first class. It's being taught by a friend of mine, Fabs, and she asked me to be a table leader (our class has about 35 people, and we all sit at tables for small group discussion time). Needless to say tonight's class already just blew me away and it was only the INTRO! God has so much to reveal to me, and so much to show me. I just sat there and was thankful, but also a little scared. Fabs pushes you to truly know what you believe, and to truly be strong in that... because she is. She's passionate about the gospel, and passionate about her love for Christ. I sense that each time I'm around her.

One thing we talked about tonight is the fact that we are ALL evangelists for the "good news" of your life. Whether or not that's the gospel, that's another story. As Christians, it should be, but it rarely is. We are too scared to hurt some one feelings, to offend someone, to be awkward, etc. I know I am in most cases. And the truth of that is that we (I) honestly don't believe that people apart from Christ are slaves to their sin, and slaves to having NO hope, and slaves to the fact that they will spend an eternity apart for Him. Why doesn't that move me? Why doesn't that make me want to call each person in my family or any of my friends who don't know Him? I don't really know the answer, but I have a feeling in the next six weeks I'm going to figure it out.

It's not going to be an easy class, but I am thankful that God has called me to take it.

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who ask you to give an account for the hope that is in you yet with gentleness and reverence.
1 Peter 3:15

Food Rules.

2010-02-20T11:15:00.000-06:00

Since October my food intake has drastically changed. All I use to eat was fast food, and now I eat food, not just junk. Who knew eating healthy actually tasted really really good? I got this book a few weeks ago and have been wanting to blog about it. Michael Pollan is an excellent resource for learning about what to eat, and just general tips if you are trying to change how you eat. Here's are a few of my favorite "Rules" from the Book.

1. Don't eat anything your great-grandmother wouldn't recognize as food. (Think yogurt in a tube)

2. Avoid foods that have some form of sugar (or sweetener) listed among the top three ingredients. (I'm trying to get better at this one!)

3. Avoid food products that contain more than five ingredients. (Go look at anything that is prepackaged in your pantry and see just how many ingredients it has.)

4. Shop the peripheries of the supermarket and stay out of the middle. (I've been trying this recently and it's really really good!)

5. Eat only foods that will eventually rot.

6. It's NOT food if it arrived through the window of your car. (Ha!)

7. Eat sweet foods as you find them in nature. (think fruit...)

8. Don't eat breakfast cereals that change the color of your milk (throw away the fruit loops now!)

9. Eat when you're hungry, not when you are bored.

10. Last but not least, Break the rules once in a while.

I like the last one because we are all human. I'm not saying not to ever eat pizza or ice cream again, just don't eat the entire pizza, or ice cream everyday. I break the rules once in a blue moon and don't count calories, and I think it's just good for my sanity.

The end! :)

Sometimes I have an ugly heart.

2010-02-19T08:27:00.000-06:00

And here's why....

This post is going to be brutally honest, because it needs to be. A week ago I was FREAKING out, and in the worst mood I've been in, in a very long time. Why? Because I was afraid that my flight was going to be delayed/canceled because of the snow in Dallas, and would have ruined MY weekend plans to go to California. Like I literally was so mad to the point that I wanted to cry (yes, it was that bad). It was really bad, and looking back on it, it was so foolish. I lacked trust. But most of all I was upset because the control idol in my life crept in like never before. I'm a relatively calm person. There are two things that severely stress me out: being lost and travel plans. I think both have to do with the fact that I can't control them at all.... ever! That reveals a really ugly idol of control in my life. And you know what? My plane wasn't canceled. My flight was slightly delayed but still made it to Dallas on time. We left 30 minutes later than planned from Dallas, which in turn caused Camille NOT to miss our connecting flight to Sacramento because she had been delayed in Houston. All last week I decided that I wasn't going to eat out, or spend any money on food. I knew I had enough food for the week and last Friday morning I poured my 1cup of cereal and 1cup of milk and literally was able to throw the carton away wasting no food. On Saturday while we were in San Fran we continued to luck out with parking, and with lots of other really random stuff. God was faithful, despite how ridiculous I had acted a mere 48 hours before. On Monday night when I got home I went to buy groceries and still had some cash left over from the money I had withdrew in California. I had 48 dollars in cash. When I went to pay for my groceries for the week at Sprout's, the total came to 47 dollars and some change. Seriously, God? Again, faithful.

Here's the moral of this story. I think that my control idol was very much out on the table staring me in the face, but I think that more than that it boiled down to the fact that I did not want to be in Austin last weekend. Why? Because it was Valentine's Day weekend. Everyone I knew had plans, and I wanted to be far away from having to remember the fact that I'm single. Why? Because lately I haven't been trusting the Lord in this. And before any of you who are married tell me to be patient, that I have a gift, that I have an undivided heart, etc, please don't. I know ALL of those things, and most of the time I believe them. But sometimes it just sucks to be single. Can I just say that and mean it? I want to. So I think that's the root of where all of my anger towards a silly flight came from. It boiled down to me not trusting God to work out the details of my life. When He did (as He always does) my heart was glad.

I'm going to try to trust more.

You can pray for me!

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to HIS purpose." Romans 8:28

Over and out.

C-A-L-I-F-O-R-N-I-A!!!

2010-02-18T08:37:00.002-06:00

Last weekend I went to California for the first time ever! I've never even flown into Cali on a connecting flight or anything. So flying into Sacramento was awesome. I went with my one of my greatest friends, Camille, on the right to visit our other good friend, Laurin, in the middle. A little background info on our friendships. Camille and I were instant friends when we met 5 and half years ago. She was an officer in Phi Lamb (the sorority I joined my jr. year) and she did my introduction. I remember having a great conversation with her that night, and we've been friends ever since. After graduation when she moved to the Dominican Republic I thought she was crazy for not wanting to stay in Austin with all of her friends (and especially me). But she followed the Lord's calling there and boy am I ever thankful. Without her there I probably never would have gone, and my life wouldn't be what it is today. Speaking of the D.R. that's also where the both of us met Laurin. I met her in March 2008 when I went to visit Camille and my beloved country. Laurin and I also became instant friends, and then later became roommates. I'm so thankful for these two women. They are absolutely fabulous!!!

Back to California....

Camille and I landed in Sacramento Friday night and we all went to dinner. We were pretty tired from our very long flight/time zone change and little sleep on Thursday night. Saturday morning we drove to San Francisco, and the picture above is what we took right before we went across that famous bridge. It was kinda surreal to see it in person after seeing it in so many movies, tv shows (cue Full House theme song). It was great. That day was truly awesome. It was BEAUTIFUL weather and we walked down on the pier, around the farmer's market, then had an awesome lunch. San Francisco is the area where the green/organic movement all started so needless to say everything we ate was always super fresh, really good, but also really pricey. That afternoon we also went to the Ghiradelli Square. I had the best ice cream I've ever had in my life. (Wasn't counting calories that day obviously!) We also walked around Chinatown that was right by our hotel. It was interesting because the Chinatown here and the one in NYC are completely different. In NYC it's ALL about the selling of merchandise, in San Fran there are stores with souvenirs, but there are also lots of grocery stores, restaurants, etc. Most people were really chill and NOT in your face trying to get you to buy a fake Chanel purse or sunglasses. I liked it a more than NYC. Sorry :) That night went went to see Valentine's Day! It was an awesome movie. Sunday was Valentine's Day and we celebrated our singleness by enjoying burgers from the famous California, In-n-Out. I have to confess that I wasn't that impressed. Don't get me wrong, it was good. I hadn't had a burger in a REALLY long time and maybe I built it up too much. The fries were good though. Oh well. Camille left that afternoon, and for the second year in a row Laurin and I spent V-day night together. We went to eat some middle eastern food (YUM!) and then watched Food, Inc. Monday was pretty chill and then I left around lunch time. All in all it was an awesome weekend. So thankful for time away from Austin (it's nice to be away sometimes) and be with two of my best friends.

I heart California :)

40 days of.... blogging?

2010-02-17T22:02:00.002-06:00

So I know that during the next 40 days you are supposed to fast from something, but I'm going to try it the other way around. I'm going to try to blog everyday. (typically I would fast from soft drinks but since I don't drink them anymore that's not going to work) Notice I said try. I have no idea if I'll make it till Easter, but hey it's worth a shot. I'm typically online everyday anyway, so why not get my thoughts out there. I'm excited to share my struggles, my successes, and just some of the things that are going on in life. I should be more open about it anyway, and why not do it here where everyone can read it. This task might be easy at first because I've been wanting to blog about lots but been too lazy to actually do it. Hopefully I'll make this and afterward you will know a little more about the real me.

Here's to 40.

LOST.... 5 days away

2010-01-28T21:08:00.004-06:00

LOST is the greatest show on television. It's the greatest, most brilliant show ever created, and I am the biggest fan. If you have never watched this show I highly recommend you either rent the DVD's or watch it for free online. You will not be disappointed. The final season is a mere FIVE days away and I could not be more stoked for a television event. I'm watching Season 1 right now just to reminisce the greatness :)

Here is my favorite character, Jack:

He's pretty much the main character, he's a leader, he's a doctor, and he's ridiculously good looking ;)

I LOVE LOST!!!

I heart this city.

2010-01-20T21:37:00.003-06:00

The chances of me living in this city in about 7 months are pretty great. I can't believe it. My heart is stirred so much towards this city and the nations that dwell within it. Join me in praying!

Pray.

2010-01-14T23:42:00.003-06:00

I'm not going to post pictures of the earthquake because we've all seen them online or on the news. What is happening in Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, is beyond tragic. Just pray.

Here are a couple of ways to donate:
https://realhopeforhaiti.org/

http://makariosinternational.org/

Both are reliable, legit organizations.

Just pray. Just give.

In the midst's of seeing this tragedy, I trust you Lord.

Me on my birthday!

2010-01-06T21:00:00.003-06:00

This picture is like a month old, but I wanted to post it anyway. It was from my 26th birthday! What a great day that was. It truly was a huge blessing to get to spend great time with all of my awesome friends. We had an awesome dinner at David and Cyntreva's, then played a hilarious game of "Celebrities". I started the day with a date with my best friend, Gold's Gym, then brunch at Kerbey Lane with Christie (the girl in the picture), then I went shopping, then to my birthday party that night. I was truly blessed.

The Biggest Loser

2009-12-13T14:48:00.009-06:00

"What have you done today to make you feel proud?"- Biggest Loser Theme Song

I'm not sure if you have ever watched this show but I hadn't until this Season which started earlier this Fall. I had never tuned in, but had always heard it was an inspring show. I watched this season because my friend Mandy said that a woman that she knew from her hometown (who lost her husband, daughter, and son in a car accident two years ago) was going to be on the show. I decided I would watch because I remembered this story from then. I never knew that a simple show could inspire me and change so many perspectives on health and working out than this show did over the course of this Fall. This season was called, "Second Chances", as most contestants had big things happen in their life, like Abby's story above, Rudy lost his best friend/sister at the age of 14, Allen a firefighter who felt that he was useless at his job, Amanda a 19 year old who America picked to be on the show at the season finale of season 7, and the winner Danny who had struggled with weight all his life. The stories go on and on, but many people who have watched in the past all agree that this has been the best season yet! The trainers, Bob and Jillian, never let any of them quit when it's all they wanted to do in the beginning. The transformations that happened over the course of seven months for these people is unimaginable. Unless you struggle with weight, you will never know what it's like to be overweight. My wake up call came this summer when I woke up as a 25 year old who did not feel good. Since then I have changed my life, my eating habits, and from working out once every few months to six times a week. I'm on a journey to a new me, and this show has been a huge
huge motivator.

For all results check the shows website: http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/

Season Nine starts on January 5th. wanna get inspired? Watch it!

I'm going to share a few pics so you can see what they accomplished:

My personal favorite: AMANDA!

Started at 250 lbs!
And is now at a healthy 163 lbs!

The at home winner was Rebecca who started at 279 and finished at 140 lbs!

The winner Danny started at 430 pounds:
And is now: 191 Pounds!
The dude lost 55% of his body!

My current thoughts on College Football ...

2009-12-07T21:03:00.005-06:00

In my previous post I talked about the fact that I loved UT football. I need to clarify after feeling really convicted earlier today in "loving" something to that sort of depth other that the Lord. Shocking to hear this die hard UT fan say. I like UT football a lot. Earlier today there was a lot of trash talking going on about how TCU deserves to play and we do not, etc. etc. I put in my own two cents, and was quickly deleted by a friend who I have know for over 10 years. It was sad to say the least.

As I was at the gym tonight riding on the elliptical I felt the Lord really speaking to me about how much my heart stirs for college football, but not for the souls of people. Sometimes we (I) care more about a glass football, than we do about the soul of a human being that will spend an eternity apart from Christ if they do not know Him. Why doesn't that stir my heart?

Human trafficking is going on all around the world, with an estimated revenue of 32 BILLION dollars a year. (http://love146.org/slavery)

And yet we argue about college football.

Two children are sold in human slavery every minute.

And yet we argue about who deserves to be in a National Championship Game.

At least 80% of humanity lives on less than $10 a day (http://www.globalissues.org/article/26/poverty-facts-and-stats)

And yet we argue about being "screwed" by the BCS. TCU this year, and Texas last year.

More than 2 million Sudanese refugee ORPHANS live in Egypt with little to no hope for a future. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sudanese_refugees_in_Egypt)

And yet we care more about a glass football to display in a trophy case.

THIS (http://haitirescuecenter.wordpress.com/) is going on in Haiti.

And yet we argue about college football.

Friends that I know live in the Dominican Republic and give their time, energy, and patience everyday for the sake of the gospel: (http://makariosinternational.org/)

And we are more stirred to cry over a football game than a child in poverty.

My friend Constance (http://congraced.blogspot.com/) lives in Thailand to educate girls, so that they can change the world and realize they don't have to go into prostitution to LIVE. (http://elfthai.blogspot.com/)

And still we are more concerned with college football than the world around us.

My friend Rebecca (http://rebeccainphilly.blogspot.com/) chooses to live in Philadelphia to teach, and to provide a glimpse of hope to her students in one of the poorest cities in America.

And we argue about college football...

We are free to pursue Christianity, and in Saudi Arabia this is what Christians face: "Besides foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, the percentage of Saudi citizens as Christians tends towards zero, as Saudi Arabia forbids religious conversion from Islam. Some Saudi conversions to Christianity are known only through their being killed by a near relative for the crime of apostasy."

Why don't we care? When did we become so numb to the world around us? When did I become so pathetic?

Lord, I repent of this sin. I repent that often my heart is stirred toward football and not the injustice that is going on in the world. May you detach my hands from the things of this world, and attach myself to you. You are the only thing that is truly Good.

Hook'em

2009-11-30T22:38:00.002-06:00

12-0

Hook'em.

Up Next: Big 12 Championship, with a win we secure a spot in the National Championship.

Holy cow.

I LOVE UT FOOTBALL.

something to think about...

2009-10-19T22:16:00.002-05:00

And if you give yourself to the hungry
And satisfy the desire of the afflicted,
Then your light will rise in darkness
And your gloom will become like midday.
And the LORD will continually guide you,
And satisfy your desire in scorched places,
And give strength to your bones;
And you will be like a watered garden,
And like a spring of water whose waters do not fail.
Those from among you will rebuild the ancient ruins;
You will raise up the age-old foundations;
And you will be called the repairer of the breach,
The restorer of the streets in which to dwell.

Isaiah 58:10-12

If I died tomorrow would I be known as someone who was a restorer of the streets? That's my desire. I gotta get there, praying that God would use me however he desires...

Stop... just please stop.

2009-09-18T23:07:00.002-05:00

I live in America, land of the most prideful people (myself included) in which I ever seen. I hear and sense pride in a way that is truly disgusting at times. I am tired of hearing about how much money you make, that you got a promotion, that you can run 10 miles, that you drive a Porsche, etc. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. Galatians 6:14

Piper says it way better than me:

You don't have to know a lot of things for your life to make a lasting difference in the world. But you do have to know the few great things that matter, and then be willing to live for them and die for them. The people that make a durable difference in the world are not the people who have mastered many things, but who have been mastered by a few great things. If you want your life to count, if you want the ripple effect of the pebbles you drop to become waves that reach the ends of the earth and roll on for centuries and into eternity, you don't have to have a high IQ or EQ; you don't have to have to have good looks or riches; you don't have to come from a fine family or a fine school. You have to know a few great, majestic, unchanging, obvious, simple, glorious things, and be set on fire by them.

In other news: WE'RE GOING TO WRECK ON TEXAS TECH.

HOOK'EM HORNS. AND GOODNIGHT.

3 days....

2009-09-02T08:27:00.002-05:00

3 days my friends, 3 more days! HOOK'EM HORNS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Harwood House

2009-09-01T09:18:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I turned in the keys to the beloved Harwood house that Laurin and I had the privilege of living in for one whole year. A year goes by SO SO quickly, but it was a good one. I will always cherish my time in this house, in this neighborhood, with that roommate. I will miss it SO much.

Things I loved/memories about this house:
1. It's GREEN! and it's old, but it was SO cute!
2. Our Pumpkin/House Warming party back in October!
3. Hosting our college small group girls here every Wednesday
4. My 25th birthday party!
5. Watching LOST with Laurin
6. Seeing the house next door go from a piece of crap, to be 800,000 beautiful home
7. Being close to downtown/UT/church
8. sitting on the couch with Laurin, just browsing the internet on each of our laptops
9. The adorable kitchen
10. The back porch.

I could go on and on. But I LOVED living here. I will miss it so much, but know the Lord is leading me elsewhere for the time being. I'm now a resident (again) of South Austin. I live about two minutes from a Super Target. Life is still good.

Being disciplined and refined by the Lord...

2009-08-19T22:08:00.005-05:00

"And still he seeks the fellowship of His people and sends them both joy and sorrow to detach their hands from the things of this world to attach those hands to Himself."- J.I. Packer

You might be wondering what this post is all about based on the title and the quote above. I'm going to get a little vulnerable on this post, because let's face it only about four (not two) read it. I'm going to be honest about some struggles, confess some ugly sin, and wrap up with what I've learned in the process.

I like (actually love) community, a whole, whole whole lot, and by community I really mean friendship and fellowship more than anything. In college I was nicknamed "Social Butterfly", and even today people joke about the amount of friends I have on facebook because no one understands how I know so many people. Sometimes I think I should be a networker instead of work at a school, but I'll save that for another blog. Anyway, this summer the Lord has been really working in my heart, He's showing me some of the ugly sides of my desire for community. See, I think community is biblical, but I also think that for so long I desired community for my own selfish desires, so much so that it became a really big (huge) idol in my life. To be liked, to have lots of friends, is something that thrilled my soul. NOTHING should thrill my soul other than Christ Himself. This summer the Lord has broken down my idol of seeking friendships for my own sake. He's taken people out of my life this season more than any other season of my life. This summer has been good, but it's been one of the most lonely summers of my life. Let me explain! Sure my calendar is usually still full of social activities but it wasn't doing to my soul what it did in the past. I've felt rejected, and not a "part" of many different groups. I've felt left out of group activities by people who I would call my close friends. And in my sorrow and hurt about a lot of this, Christ has refined me to understand that I should never seek the things of this world to fill my spirit. I used hanging out with people as an excuse to not "hang out" with the Lord. And He finally said ENOUGH is Enough and brought alot of my "community" to an end this summer. I can tell you that this process hasn't been easy, but it's been so so so good.

Christ had to detach my hands from the community of this world so that I would be in community with Him. Let's face it, when I'm not in community with Him I can't offer much as a friend anyway. This summer I feel like I've truly learned that nothing compares to the greatness of knowing the Lord. Nothing compares to the intimate relationship I have with Him. While friends are great and community is too, those things will often fail me the way that Christ never will.

So in a nutshell I took something biblical and turned it into an idol and Christ ripped it out of my life this summer. It's been ugly, painful, but in the end the refinement of my life felt by HIS hand has been wonderful.

July...

2009-07-27T15:58:00.004-05:00

...has almost come and gone without a post from me! I only think two people read this blog so it probably doesn't even matter that I haven't written in so long!

Anyway at the end of June (the 26th to be exact) I started my vacation from work!!! It was a glorious 16 days of FREEDOM. I started out my vacay with a weekend of relaxation in Austin, Texas. It's so nice to be here in this city without having to work. That weekend I got to meet my favorite celebrity of ALL time, Lauren Conrad, star of the reality TV show, The Hills. Judge me all you want :) It was fun! She was at BookPeople signing her first of three books in a series called L.A. Candy. And to be completely honest I've only read about five pages of the book. It's kinda cheesy. Let's face it, I just wanted her autograph!

That next week I spent in Dallas catching up with some old friends. I'm not sure if all of you know this, but my first year and a half of college were NOT spent at the University of Texas at Austin. It was actually spent at UT-Arlington in the metroplex area. That year and a half will always be so special to me as it was then where I found and fell in love with the Lord. I became a Christian the summer before I went to college, and being at a small school with an awesome community of believers was just what the Lord had in store for my life. I will cherish those friendships forever because they were with me in the midsts of the most amazing experience of my life. I love you, Bridget, Jaclyn, and my faithful roommate Melinda!

The rest of the week and over the fourth of July was spent in my hometown, Brownwood! It was nice to be at home for a week and not do a thing! I relaxed, spent time with my great family, ate good home-cooked meals and celebrated the 4th in the USA for the first time since 2006! It was great! The second week of my vacation I spent back here in Austin. I layed low, and just hung out with a few friends and caught up on my lack of sleep! When I went back to work on July 12th, I felt more refreshed and alive than I had in a long time. It was a really great vacation, and I'm so thankful. Even though my "vacation" didn't take me farther than three hours from Austin, I'm thankful for the rest.

The rest of the month I've been working and hanging out with my great friends. It's kinda the calm before the storm. If you work for a school you know what it's like. It's pretty crazy in August and September. I'm enjoying the laid back workdays, and just trying to get ready for the new school year to begin. I can't believe I'm starting my THIRD school year at American YouthWorks. . Sometimes I wonder why I've stayed so long, but the good days definitely outweigh the bad. I work with a great group of people who have a huge heart for the youth of Austin.

That's all for now! Five more days of July, and then August brings me my LAST month in The Harwood House! I can't believe I have to move out! This year has flown by! I hope this next one does too, because I know the Lord has something BIG in store for my life next year! :)

Over and out!

P.S. I've also discovered I like to read! I read Jen Hatmaker's book, "Interrupted" and I'm now halfway done with Francis Chan's book, "Crazy Love". My next post I'll tell you how each of these books are changing my life.

AARON IVEY CD!!!!!!!!!

2009-06-25T22:52:00.003-05:00

If you like music (which I'm sure you do) be sure to check out Aaron Ivey's new CD! It released on Tuesday, and is absolutely fantastic!!! The lyrics of each of these songs are truly incredible. I love love love this CD! Go buy it :)

TEXAS BASEBALL

2009-06-16T11:54:00.002-05:00

We beat Southern Missisippi in a battle of horrible pitchers in the first round of the College World Series. We won when the bases were loaded in the bottom of the 9th and they walked in the winning run. It wasn't the best way to win, but we'll take a win however we can get it. Next up: Arizona State tonight at 6pm on ESPN. Two wins away from the Championship Series! Yeah!

79 days till TEXAS FOOTBALL. HOOK'EM

Sports :)

2009-06-09T21:41:00.007-05:00

If you know me at all then you know that I LOVE sports. Especially the Texas Longhorns! On Monday night the boys clinched the 8th and final spot for the COLLEGE WORLD SERIES!!!!!!! The last time we were there was 2005 and we won! It was the summer before my senior year of college. So yes, my senior year we won baseball and football national championships! Jealous? You should be.
If you didn't go to UT, you will never understand our fasination with all things burnt orange and our love for sports. You just won't get it. Especially if you went to aTm where you are use to losing all the time :) haha.

In other sports news, a guy from my hometown who just graduated was drafted #19 in the MLB draft tonight! He went from Brownwood Lion to St. Louis Cardinal in a minute. Very cool!

Also it's the NBA finals... I don't care for either team really, but i HATE the Lakers. So I always root for anyone who is playing them. Let's go Magic!!!!!! Too bad they are down two games. Hopefully they can win tonight, they are up by 4 right now.

And last but definitely not LEAST....

86 days till TEXAS LONGHORN FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!
Hook'em HORNS!!!!!!!!!

New Seasons....

2009-06-09T21:10:00.003-05:00

Random fact: I'm listening to Pandora, and the song that is playing is Chris Tomlin's "Here I am to Worship". That was the song that was playing that I remember of the night I got saved. The line that got me was "I'll never know how much it cost to see my sin upon that cross". And in that moment I wept and repented of my sins, and said Yes, Lord I need you, all of you in my life. That night I felt the Lord prescence for the first time in my life. Every time I hear this song I go back to that night in the July 2002, and I'm so thankful for what the Lord has done in the past seven years. Amen.

In other news, I feel like the Lord is about to bring so much change into my life. In my job and in my personal life. Job wise our schools are consolidating into one school. Many of my co-workers have lost their jobs, and everything will be SO SO different next year. Thankfully my job is secure (for the time being at least, fingers crossed). I dont even know what to make of all the things that will change. Two of my great friends have left to pursue other jobs, and I'm glad they get to get a fresh start somewhere new. For me, I still feel called to be there, and until I feel a direct pull otherwise I think I'll stay put.

As far as ministry goes, I will no longer be leading a small group. I stepped down from college leadership. I stepped down from my position in phi lamb serving as alumni council. I know some of you might be asking why I would step down and leave two things that I LOVE so much. And while both of those ministries are really really great, I felt the Lord leading me to let them go for the sake of proclaiming the gospel to those who do not know it, or maybe who have never heard it. I'd been feeling like some change needed to take place ever since I got back from Egypt, but I didn't know what it all meant. I just kept praying and knew that in His timing He would reveal where He wanted me to devote time to. A few weeks ago I was reading in Luke where Jesus called Levi,

"After that He went out and noticed a tax collector named Levi sitting in the tax booth, and He said to him, "Follow Me."And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him. And Levi gave a big reception for Him in his house; and there was a great crowd of tax collectors and other people who were reclining at the table with them. The Pharisees and their scribes began grumbling at His disciples, saying, "Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?"And Jesus answered and said to them, "It is not those who are well who need a physician, but those who are sick."I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance." Luke 5:27-32

All of a sudden a thousand lights went flashing in my head, and I could hear bells and whistles. These verses made absolute sense to me.... FINALLY. For so long the Lord has allowed me to serve in ministry, whether it was on campus or at the Stone, and while I feel like He's really blessed those times, and created many opportunities for me to serve I realized that most of my time is spent with the "well" and not those who are "sick" or without Christ. While I was doing good things for His sake, I was not bringing the gospel to anyone who hadn't already heard it. I haven't been able to have a lot of non-Christian friends because my schedule is filled with ministry with other believers. So what does this all mean? I'm not even sure yet. But I know that God called me away from Phi Lamb and away from College Ministry to find out. The Lord took me to Egypt and showed me the urgency of the gospel. I'm praying that He would open the doors He wants me to step through for this next season of my life.

I truly want to live my life for the sake of His gospel, only. Period.

A Thorn in the Flesh...

2009-06-09T20:55:00.003-05:00

Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me--to keep me from exalting myself!Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, ^K)">for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10

There could not be better verses to sum up a situation I've been dealing with for quite some time. I'm a relatively nice person, and get along with almost everyone I come in contact with. But of course there are some people I naturally connect with easily and others that are more work. However, I've been giving a THORN in my side. A thorn that has been very very very tough to deal with. It's caused so much distress in my life, that sometimes it makes me just weep. But I know that I have to believe that because I am weak, Christ is the only one who can make me strong. I spoke with a dear friend of mine today over lunch about this situation, and she spoke some really good truth into my life. She said, "Leticia, your identity will never be found in what others think of you, but only in Christ. People who know you, and know your heart would never be convinced otherwise." Those were words I absolutely needed to hear. It's just a tough situation when you hear over and over how bad of a friend you are, who how much someone "hates" you it gets so frustrating, especially when I've tried to rectify the situation and have gotten no response. Part of me has believed a lot of the lies I've been told.

Matt preached a sermon last year sometime and he said something along the lines of this, "You can't expect the lost to treat you how those who have the spirit inside them would. Just let it go. You have to quit holding them to the same standards of your Christian friends." I do need to let it go, but letting go is so hard when there is so much hurt.

Please pray for me! I'm sorry I can't be more specific, just know that I've been dealing with a lot and I just needed to get it out there.